Hi Everyone,
The Winter Issue (although just dipping into of Spring!) of the Local Area Coordination Network Newsletter is out now.
CLICK HERE to read the Newsletter
I am very grateful to everyone who has contributed stories and helped knock it into shape – thank you!
In this issue we have a focus on some of the emerging LAC stories, about both the journey alongside local people and communities as they build and pursue their dreams for a good life and also from leaders as they share some of the innovative thinking developing locally.
People, places, possibilities
Although very early days for Local Area Coordination in England and Wales, there is a real appetite and momentum building for a genuine and very intentional approach to coming alongside local people, families and communities, finding practical solutions, strengthening communities and contributing to re-imagining the role of services (as a valued and important back up to local solutions), making them more personal, flexible, local and relevant for local people.
The stories aren’t about “experts” being parachuted in to “assess and fix” people in an intervention, rather they are about building a positive relationship, building partnerships and mutual support and finding practical, non service solutions together. Helping people to stay strong.
Valuing the strengths, capacity and contribution of people who may be isolated, excluded or vulnerable due to service labeling, disability, mental health needs, age or frailty
These stories represent just part of a journey alongside local people, but they do highlight some of the great possibilities if we
- Take time to get to know individuals, families and communities well – listen and learn
- Support people to build a positive vision for the future – imagine a better future
- Support people to identify their personal gifts and skills, those of their friends/family/community, as well as the positive role of services as a back up to natural solutions
- Stand alongside local people and help them to find a range of ways of staying strong, building relationships, pursuing their vision and overcoming challenges
- Nurture more welcoming, inclusive and mutually supportive communities
The great thing is that we are all learning (and sharing that learning), with LAC practice developing and improving all the time, as well as leaders also sharing ideas, stories and building a positive vision for LAC and services in the future.
Mutual support and shared learning can (and should) happen in many ways and at many levels.
We’ll keep you posted as new stories and developments occur
I hope you enjoy this issue
Also keep an eye out for Neil Woodhead’s blog “Listen and Keep on Listening” on the Inclusive Neighbourhoods Website – should be added over the weekend
As usual, if you would like to be removed from the circulation list, please let me know
Best wishes
Ralph