Plymouth to join scheme to improve services
The Test, Learn, Grow initiative aims to make services more responsive and resilient by "trying new ideas and learning quickly", the government said.
Part of the pilot includes electing "learning stewards" who will listen to feedback, share stories and adapt strategies.
Councillor Mary Aspinall said the initiative was about "putting people first and moving away from tick box targets and towards listening, learning, and adapting".
More news stories for Devon
Listen to the latest news for Devon
The council said it viewed the scheme as a chance to "rethink how we support residents facing complex challenges and inequalities".
Aspinall said: "We want to build services that work for the real world - messy, complicated, and full of human stories.
"This is about building trust, empowering communities, and making sure our services reflect the lives of the people who use them."
The council said Wellbeing and Family Hubs, charities and community groups would play a key role.
"The goal is to build a system that's more responsive, more resilient, and more rooted in the communities it serves," it said.
"It's a shift from top-down decision-making to something more collaborative and human."
Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.
Community facilities get funding boost
Council launches scheme to assist people in crisis
Council agrees plan to improve children's services
Related internet links
Government Test, Learn, Grow programme
Plymouth City Council
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
World War Two veteran celebrates 100th birthday
A decorated World War Two veteran who carried out covert missions behind enemy lines has celebrated his 100th birthday. Henry Charles Francis, known affectionately as 'H', served in both the Royal Navy and Royal Marines after joining up aged 16. At his birthday party, Mr Francis was presented with a personal letter from the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, acknowledging his extraordinary service. His daughter, Teresa Betton, said: "What he gave for this country, all the friends that he lost… I'm so proud of him. He tells the stories, but not all of them. He signed the secrets act and has stuck by it." More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Mr Francis' family said the day was deeply emotional as they recalled stories of his daring missions. One tale involved being dropped into the wrong location in what was then Yugoslavia and spending five days finding his way out before being greeted by General Josip Broz Tito, who later became president of the country. Mr Francis, who lives in South Gloucestershire, was awarded the Yugoslavian military medal, which is one of many honours he earned over the years. In his letter, Gen Jenkins paid tribute to the "truly courageous" covert operations carried out by Mr Francis. He also referenced an incident in Burma when Mr Francis was injured by a bayonet before returning to the UK for a time to recover. Gen Jenkins said: "You are an incredible individual with an abundance of character, and you and all your generation are an inspiration to today's sailors and Royal Marines. "I am delighted to be able to send you the Royal Navy's best wishes for your 100th birthday." Asked for the secret to a long life, Mr Francis replied: "Before you argue with a man, make sure you can handle him." Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Stories similar to this Celebrations for WW2 RAF veteran's 100th birthday Veteran appointed MBE days before 100th birthday 100th birthday tribute to AA veteran
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tributes paid after world's longest-serving KFC worker dies
Tributes have been paid to the world's longest-serving KFC employee who has died after working for the company for nearly 50 years. Pauline Richards, who was known by many as Miss KFC, first started working in the fried chicken chain's outlet in Taunton, Somerset, in 1978. She began her career as a cleaner but went on to take on almost every role in the store, including team leader and manager. Taunton Town Council described Mrs Richards as one of the town's 'most loved residents' and said she would be missed. 'All of us at Taunton Town Council are saddened to learn of the passing of one of Taunton's most loved residents, Pauline Richards, aka Miss KFC, the world's longest-serving member of KFC staff and a friendly, well-known face in our town,' the council said. 'She was an excited and incredibly deserving recipient of one of our civic awards back in March this year. 'Our thoughts are with her family and all of those who knew and loved her.' A KFC spokeswoman added: 'We're deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pauline Richards. 'We are supporting Pauline's family, who have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
The hotspots for Japanese knotweed in Somerset
JAPANESE knotweed season is underway, and North Somerset residents are being urged to check for local infestations. According to invasive plant specialist Environet, there are 583 verified sightings of Japanese knotweed in Somerset, with 0.36 cases per square mile. The figures come from Exposed: The Japanese Knotweed Heatmap, an online tool that tracks more than 100,000 verified sightings across the UK. The map allows the public to search by postcode, view infestation risk levels, and submit new reports with photos for expert verification. Here are the top Japanese knotweed hotspots in Somerset for 2025: 1 Bath - 159 2 Portishead - 37 3 Clevedon - 30 4 Weston-Super-Mare - 24 5 Keynsham - 21 =6 Taunton - 15 =6 Winscombe - 14 8 Wincanton - 12 9 Radstock - 11 10 Nailsea - 11 Japanese knotweed, introduced to the UK in the Victorian era, spreads via underground rhizomes that can grow up to 3 metres deep and 7 metres wide. While serious structural damage is rare, the plant can lower property values and lead to disputes. A DEFRA report estimated the annual cost of tackling knotweed in the UK at nearly £250 million. Environet Director Emily Grant said: 'By mapping verified sightings, we're helping people understand the level of risk in their local area and encouraging early identification and treatment.'
