Well, summer has come and gone—but it was fabulous!
I spent some time in Queensland learning more about their Local Area Coordination program and also the forthcoming national development of LAC as part of major reform. We’ll keep a close interest in how that develops.
Of course, I did also spend a bit of time down the beach, stuck up mountains, cycling up very big hills and running a marathon—apart from that, quite relaxing!
We are in the middle of working on the next LAC Network Newsletter and the new paper on LAC Stories, so we thought it might be a good idea to share some of the news and developments that have happened over the last couple of months.
November 2013—Eddie Bartnik Visiting UK
Eddie Bartnik originally developed Local Area Coordination in Western Australia 25 years ago and has supported subsequent national and international developments.
Eddie will be in England and Wales from 11th-14th November.
This will be a great opportunity to hear about the development of LAC, share ideas and challenges and think about the opportunities and possibilities for helping people stay strong, forming the new “front end” of the service system and supporting systems change
Eddie is currently the Mental Health Commissioner in Western Australia,
Over the 4 days, it is planned that Eddie will be
- Spending time in Wales, contributing to thinking around Co Production, LAC and stronger communities
- Leading a “learning day” with Local Area Coordinators in the emerging LAC areas in England and Wales
- Contributing to leadership conversations around LAC, building resilience and systems change
My sincere thanks to Eddie for his ongoing support and enthusiasm
September 2013
Welcome To Northamptonshire and Walsall
We are really excited to welcome Northamptonshire and Walsall to the LAC “family.” Conversations are now starting in both areas around designing a local, robust Local Area Coordination programme.
It also provides more opportunities for building connections, conversations and opportunities for mutual support across the emerging LAC sites in England and Wales/
Investing in Families and Communities—Strength Based Approaches and the Care Bill—Next Steps. Report out now!
The new paper on Strength Based Approaches and contribution to the new Care Bill from Inclusive Neighbourhoods, Shared Lives Plus, Community Catalysts, In Control, Inclusion North and Partners in Policy Making is out now.
This briefing paper discusses and analyses the Care Bill and the contribution and possibilities of a move to nurture “strength based approaches” as part of future Care and Support for vulnerable people.
Welcome to Jon and Ben in Thurrock
A huge “welcome” and congratulations to Jonathon Biddle and Ben Dubois, new Local Area Coordinators selected by local communities in Thurrock. Great to have you on board and contributing to local people, communities and the LAC family.
Jon and Ben are already working to get to know local people and their respective communities. We look forward to hearing stories in the near future!
@LACderby—Derby LAC joins twitter
Keep tabs with what’s happening in Derby City via their new twitter link—another way of sharing ideas, experiences and solving problems together.
Next LAC Network Newsletter
Carol, Neil and I are currently working on the next LAC Network Newsletter and hope to have it out to you by late October.
As usual, let us know if there are stories, experiences or issues you would like to share.
Ralph