Jointly commissioned by Local Government (LG) Improvement and Development and the National Mental Health Development Unit in England,  and written by the New Economics Foundation, this report examines how local government can support a better life for its citizens to help build resilient communities, both now and in the long term. While local government has begun to engage with the evidence base on wellbeing, much more needs to be done. In becoming ‘wellbeing aware’ at every level, local government has the opportunity to think and act differently in order to realise cost savings, and at the same time build healthier, more equal and more capable communities. It will also help to enhance communities’ abilities to participate in the ‘big society’ and in local decision making.