The research

Since 2019, the Local Area Coordination Network (part of Community Catalysts CIC) has worked with the Universities of Hull, Sheffield, York, Exeter, and Leeds to undertake the first ever ‘multi-site’ evaluation of Local Area Coordination in England and Wales. This was made possible through an academic partnership led by Professor Joe Cook from Hull, with funding from the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR).

The research has revealed some exciting new insights that have enriched and deepened the Local Area Coordination knowledge base and given us even more evidence of its efficacy and impact.

Key findings

The importance of putting time into relationships to build trust

The research highlighted the importance of trust and time in the relationships forged between Local Area Coordinators and the people and families they are alongside. Local Area Coordinators achieve this using a non-hierarchical, person-centred approach. This often contrasted with the research participants’ previous experiences of services. It demonstrated that things like time and trust aren’t simply ‘nice to haves’ within the design and logic but essential parts of the approach, and result in more sustainable outcomes.

In addition, taking a strength-based approach, recognising and celebrating potential in people and appreciating their gifts were all identified as important aspects of producing sustainable outcomes such as:

• An improved sense of connection, companionship, and reduced isolation.
• Increased confidence and independence.
• Improved coping mechanisms and strategies.
• Reduced stress and anxiety.
• Decreased risk of crisis situations in the future.

How building connections strengthens communities

The research showed how Local Area Coordination is building connection between local institutions and communities, strengthening relations and nurturing trust in communities. This meant an increase in:

• Community engagement and local participation.
• Positive relationships forming between local people.
• Awareness of (and access to) community assets.

It also identified a notable ‘ripple effect’ observed from participant’s stories. For example, people who had a Local Area Coordinator alongside them surpassed national averages for volunteering rates.

LAC prevents and reduces the need for formal care

The research showed that Local Area Coordination prevents, reduces, and delays a need for formal care and supports. This resulted in:

• People feeling more capable of dealing with problems early on, preventing them from getting worse and experiencing crisis.
• People finding support from natural sources like friends, neighbours, and community organisations, rather than drawing on formal services.
• People already drawing on formal services becoming better able to find the right support, at the right time and in the right way for them, thus reducing the overall need for ongoing costly and longer-term service intervention.

LAC prevents people getting lost in the system

The research also highlighted how Local Area Coordination helps prevent people from becoming lost in the system or trapped navigating it, and ensures they know their rights and entitlements. It shows how Local Area Coordination supports improvements in the way that the system works, driving improved collaboration, cultural and practice shifts for professionals, continuous advocacy for person-centred support, and feeding people’s experiences back to system leaders.

Read the short summary policy briefing.

Contact LACN@communitycatalysts.co.uk for more information.