Nick Sinclair, Programme Director at Community Catalysts, shares his experiences of Local Area Coordination at a visit to Nova Scotia, Canada.

From 27 May to 3 June, I had the privilege of visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia, alongside Derby Local Area Coordinator Dave Oliffe. The visit was part of a Global Leadership Exchange (GLE) ‘Match’ (a mini-conference) focused on Local Area Coordination. The Local Area Coordination Network were co-hosts of the ‘match’ and the visit was kindly funded by the Province of Nova Scotia. It provided a brilliant chance to share learning, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the global development of LAC, as well as a unique chance to learn about the people and cultures of this wonderful part of the world.

The first part of our visit focused on supporting Nova Scotia’s ongoing LAC implementation. The province has been introducing LAC over the past two years as part of what is known as the ‘remedy’: a legally binding human rights response following a landmark court decision. This followed a successful case brought by families and disabled people which identified systemic discrimination, including institutionalisation and the lack of a system centred on personalisation, choice, and control.

In response, international LAC leader Eddie Bartnik (based in Australia) was invited to co-author the independent expert report and blueprint underpinning the ‘remedy’, setting out a phased approach to building a new system of supports over several years. I heard and saw that progress has been impressive since I first met the fabulous Tricia Murray (programme lead) in Surrey two years ago at the previous match. LAC is already established in around 60 communities there, with an ambition to extend this to approximately 90 across the province.

During the visit, I was invited to meet with the health and social services minister and senior officials to share learning, evidence, and stories from the UK, including the importance of the LAC Network in maintaining fidelity to the approach. Eddie was also present, undertaking an initial fidelity review, and early findings (alongside powerful testimonies from individuals and families) strongly echoed experiences we regularly encounter in the UK.

I also helped in delivering a series of presentations and webinars for different audiences; a real highlight of this aspect of the trip was the opportunity to spend time directly with Local Area Coordinators themselves, who on the Friday had gathered at a community college in Halifax. I delivered a session on the role of the LAC Network, focusing in particular on how LAC can respond to and help prevent homelessness (which I heard was an issue of growing concern locally too).

Dave led an excellent session on Safe Waiting which was extremely well received; LACs spoke very positively about its relevance and how they could apply it in their day-to-day work. It was a great reminder of the value of creating space for shared learning, reflection, and peer support across the LAC community.   The visit culminated in the Global Leadership Exchange ‘Match’ itself, bringing together participants from across the world, including representatives from two other Canadian provinces, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and of course us representing the UK.

Over two days, we explored themes such as LAC fidelity, implementation challenges, and the risks and opportunities ahead. This event built on the previous ‘match’ and demonstrated the continued strength of the international LAC community.  For me, the experience reinforced the importance of implementing LAC with fidelity to its principles. It showed that even across very different national contexts, consistent and meaningful outcomes can be achieved when the approach is applied with integrity. It also provided valuable insights and ideas that will help inform our work going forward here.

I’d like to give a special thanks to all the people who made the trip so memorable for Dave and I. We were met with exceptional hospitality and kindness, including a lobster dinner at Tricia’s aunt’s shore house and a brilliant day trip with LAC team leader Chris and his partner Dee around some of the more rural parts of the province. Everyone was so kind, helpful, and welcoming; I really think they showed us the true spirit of Nova Scotia. It will be a trip I will remember with fondness forever.