A big thank you for the great response to the first issue and offers of contribution and support for forthcoming issues.
In each issue, we aim to introduce organisations and approaches that recognise and build on the inherent strength of local citizens and communities, with opportunities for positive partnership working with Local Area Coordinators.
This reflects some core principles of Local Area Coordination—raising awareness of, and connecting people to, local resources that may help in pursuing their vision for a good life or in building stronger, better resourced, more inclusive and more welcoming local communities.
In this issue, the spotlight will be on Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and Shared Lives Plus.
We also look at developments in Derby and Wales and some key aspects of making LAC work well — commitment to the 10 Principles and the central role of relationships and mutually supportive communities.
Cormac Russell (Director, Nurture Development and ABCD Europe Institute) gives an overview of building strong communities and the partnership with LAC
As CEO of Shared Lives Plus, Alex Fox is both leading local, innovative, flexible community living opportunities for local people and contributing to national discussions around build-ing stronger communities and reform.
LACs will support people to connect and build partnerships with organisations like Shared Lives to support greater choice, mutual support and contribution, choice and control. We thank Alex for his continued support and commitment.