October 2024
Updates on Local Area Coordination, the work of the Network and
the areas implementing the approach.
In this edition we’ll be covering:
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A note from from Nick Sinclair,
Director of the Local Area Coordination Network
Hi everyone, and welcome to this month’s newsletter. A big thank you to Lily for bringing this edition together so beautifully! Lots of great stuff to share, as always.
In this last month, I’ve been in loads of conversations reflecting with people on what makes Local Area Coordination work – things like valuing relationships, working with local ‘assets’, and the crucial role that Local Area Coordinators (LACs) play in helping people and families to make the most of them.
It’s clear to me that in challenging times, what people often need isn’t simply another service or programme – it’s people who genuinely listen and who are interested in understanding what’s going on. Many people have shared with me over the years that the simple act of a LAC listening to them in the first place was what made all the difference (or at least what helped them begin their journey towards a better life). This part of the LAC role doesn’t require any particular ‘specialism’, but it does require a real commitment to being present and taking the time to be alongside and actively listen to what is being said.
I believe we need expert generalists like LACs in every community of the UK: practitioners based locally with amazing people skills who know a little about a lot and who are deeply connected; practitioners connected with but separate from the service system, who understand people’s needs and strengths within the context of the surrounding community and who understand how services might be utilised to complement a person’s vision of a good life if necessary; practitioners who are actively encouraged to show up, to walk alongside others, freed from much of the burden of paperwork and one-size-fits-all solutions, working creatively to support people wherever they’re at.
We’re certainly encouraged to hear the new government making positive noises about neighbourhood-based, localised approaches to health and social care, and we’re ready to ensure that Local Area Coordination plays its part in making that happen.
Enjoy the newsletter!
Nick Sinclair
Community Catalysts CIC
York House
10 Haywra Street
Harrogate
HG1 5BJ
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