by Katie Barradell (team lead and Local Area Coordinator in Blaby, Leicestershire)

When did you start your role as a LAC?

I began my role as a LAC for three areas across Blaby district in October 2020. We were in lockdown due to the pandemic. It was a strange time to join such a community-focused role when we weren’t able to leave our own homes. Most of my initial interactions with my team were done either over the phone or on Teams meetings which was a different way for everyone to work. I developed relationships by voices rather than faces or places. Once the lockdown restrictions lifted, it was so exciting to go out and get to know residents and communities in real life.

What does a typical day in the life of a LAC look like?

The beauty of being a LAC for me is that no two days are the same; however well planned the day is, it sometimes doesn’t work out as you had thought. Being embedded in the communities we support can mean we are visiting/supporting community groups such as coffee mornings, dementia or craft gatherings etc. If we are seeing a resident, this may mean seeing them in their own home, in a local coffee shop, or within a group depending on where they feel most comfortable. Our focus is always on what the resident wants; they are in the driving seat which means that the work we do together is different for everyone. We work alongside other agencies to be able to support residents and communities in the best way possible; this might involve attending meetings, planning joint events, or sometimes completing home visits together.

What aspects of the role do you enjoy the most?

There are so many aspects of the LAC role that I enjoy and gain satisfaction from; I love the variety and opportunities it offers. I get a lot out of developing relationships with residents and seeing them develop the tools to grow and identify the changes they need to improve their lives. I enjoy working in such a creative way to meet the wants, desires, and aspirations of residents and communities.

How does the work make you feel?

I am never bored in this role; there are always opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I hear from residents what a difference it has made having someone to ‘walk alongside them’ which is wonderful. I gain satisfaction from being able to respond creatively to both people and communities.

Huge thanks to Katie for sharing a day in the life of your Local Area Coordination role!