An “elevator pitch” for Local Area Coordination? Or, in more colloquial English, how can Local Area Coordination be explained within the time it takes to have a brief journey in a lift? This question formed the starting point for our ‘LAC in a lift’ exercise at the LAC Network spring gatherings this year. We asked groups of Local Area Coordinators and managers to help co-produce (for the first time as a Network) a set of concise, audience-specific descriptions of their work, aimed at the three main audiences they communicate with: local people, community organisations, and statutory services.

Over both regional gatherings, we were able to do this with seven groups – four in the North and Midlands, and three in the South of England; all in all about 80 people contributed, sharing the words and expressions they used to explain Local Area Coordination to different people. We then wrote these up as a new resource that went out to the Network last week.

I was really encouraged, albeit not surprised, to hear the consistency of the messages that emerged. Across all groups, Local Area Coordination was described as person-led, strengths-based, and relational. The groups spoke of walking alongside people and families rather than directing or intervening on their behalf, listening deeply rather than instructing, and building trust through meaningful relationships rather than transactional processes.

A further consistent theme was the importance of being in a place. Local Area Coordination is embedded within communities, with Local Area Coordinators visible and accessible within their neighbourhoods. Often described as “part of the community furniture,” Local Area Coordinators use their local knowledge to help people explore options on their doorstep and connect with opportunities. The groups also clearly distinguished the way people connect with Local Area Coordination (i.e. not referral-based, time-limited, or task-driven). Instead, it is flexible, open-ended, and shaped by the priorities and ambitions of that person. I would summarise their messaging as follows:

1. For people considering LAC: Simple access to a trusted Local Area Coordinator who walks alongside you at your pace, helping you to reconnect with your skills and networks, and linking you up with the right type of help for you.
2. For community organisations: Building connections and strengthening local networks and capacity.
3. For statutory partners: An early action and preventative approach that can reduce demand by building local capacity and supporting people before challenges escalate into crisis or deeper crisis.

And, in more depth, here is the overall one produced for people and families who might be considering having a LAC in their life –

“Local Area Coordination means being connected with a Local Area Coordinator like me in your area – I can walk alongside you, listen without judgement, and help you work towards the life you want. You stay in control, we go at your pace, focus on what matters to you, and build on your strengths and existing connections. There’s no pressure, no fixed timescale, and no expectation for you to jump through hoops. I’m here to help you find your own way forward in a way that works for you.”

Ultimately though, as we concluded in the workshops, Local Area Coordinators must find their own way of communicating in a way that is relevant to the person and their experience. The exercise reminded me of the foundational principles and features of LAC, but also reinforced the importance of coming together as a Network and community to share, learn, reflect, and produce together. Great work from all teams involved!

Nick Sinclair,
Local Area Coordination Programme Director