May 2024
Updates on Local Area Coordination, the work of the Network and
the areas implementing the approach.
In this edition we’ll be covering:
Sign up to receive future copies to your inbox here.
A note from from Nick Sinclair,
Director of the Local Area Coordination Network
Welcome to our monthly newsletter! A big thank you as always to Lily for putting this together. May has been another significant month in the world of Local Area Coordination, with ‘Local Area Coordination Week’ last week being particularly noteworthy and producing so much activity and positivity that we can share with you.
Last Wednesday, we hosted a fantastic online gathering which brought together our Network member councils currently doing Local Area Coordination and those interested in learning more about it. It featured an impressive line-up of speakers from across the Network, including the stories of Derby, York, and South Tyneside.
We were also delighted to have Eddie Bartnik and Ralph Broad, international leaders in LAC, who shared their invaluable insights on its history and the positive changes it can bring to people and communities around the world. One of the most moving and memorable moments of the session came from Hazel, a local community member, who gave a heartfelt talk and shared a powerful poem that beautifully encapsulated the spirit and impact of LAC in her life.
During the event, we announced our new ‘Local Area Coordination Discovery Group’ offer. This initiative is designed specifically for areas interested in exploring LAC, providing them with the necessary guidance to make the case. We are thrilled to share that several areas have signed up already, marking the beginning of an exciting journey towards wider adoption of LAC in England and Wales.
In addition to these exciting developments, this month we supported the launch of the full NIHR-funded research, led by Hull University. We were very grateful for Professor Joe Cook presenting the top-line findings from the multi-site evaluation of LAC during our online roundtable, showcasing the significant positive impacts of LAC on people, communities, and the wider system. The research findings provide compelling evidence of the effectiveness of LAC, reinforcing our commitment to its expansion and growth.
I could go on! But that’s quite enough from me for now. I just want to say thank you for continuing to be part of this journey with us. Your support and engagement are crucial as we continue to advocate for and implement Local Area Coordination in more areas. Keep on reading for more updates, stories, and insights from our movement in the coming months. Together, we are making a difference, and as Neil Woodhead from Derby reminded us in the concluding remarks of his presentation at our round table last Wednesday, “it’s ALL about relationships”.
Thank you.
Nick Sinclair