In the course of my work, I am privileged to meet many committed leaders striving to transform public services in their areas. A common battle cry I hear is: “If we really want to get serious about reducing demand on services like Adult Social Care and tackling health inequalities, we need to stop just talking about change and start doing things differently.” I couldn’t agree more.
Local Area Coordination is already proving that a different approach to public services is possible: one built on relationships and focused on people’s strengths, not just their problems. Instead of waiting for people to hit rock bottom before reaching down, 120 Local Area Coordinators are currently reaching out and walking alongside thousands of people early on (and when experiencing crisis), helping them to find their own solutions, build resilience, and connect with their communities. It’s not about ticking boxes or meeting targets; it’s about focusing on what matters to each person and their family, and what a good life looks like for them.
Evidence shows that Local Area Coordination reduces reliance on core services, saves money, and, most importantly, improves lives and communities! Where LAC is in place, we’re seeing fewer avoidable referrals to social care, reduced pressure on GPs, and stronger, more resilient communities. Every £1 invested in LAC has been shown to generate up to £4 in social value. That’s money saved on costly interventions because people get the right help at the right time for them.
But LAC isn’t just about numbers and it certainly isn’t just about ‘fixing problems’. It’s about working in real places with real people, walking alongside those who may be isolated, struggling, or feeling like they have no options, and helping people to lead fuller, more interdependent lives as connected, contributing citizens of their own communities.
Please do take a look at this blog in the LGC that I recently wrote with the inspirational Donna Hall on ‘Total Place’ and how Local Area Coordination could play a key role in that vision. If we’re serious about reducing demand and creating a fairer, more connected society, Local Area Coordination is undoubtedly a key central piece of our transformation jigsaw puzzle!
Thanks for reading and for your ongoing interest and support!
Nick Sinclair,
Director of the Local Area Coordination Network
Community Catalysts CIC
York House
10 Haywra Street
Harrogate
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