Resources on Local Area Coordination and Asset Based work
 Kindness, emotions and human relationships: The blind spot in public policy
This review published by the Carnegie UK Trust considers the role kindness plays in public policy. Read the full report
 Prevention is better than cure
This document sets out the government's vision for putting prevention at the heart of the nation's health. Read the full report
 Civil Society Futures - the independent inquiry
Civil Society Futures is a two-year independent inquiry into the future of civil society in England, the first major inquiry of its kind for over two decades. Read the final reports
T he four essential elements of an asset based community development process
This report considers the question 'what is distinctive about an Asset-Based Community Development process' and looks at the resources, methods, functions and evaluations required to make it work. Read the full report
Citizen Network newsletter
The latest Citizen Network newsletter is available here. The Citizen Network is an international movement to achieve citizenship for all.
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Formative Evaluation for Waltham Forest
The formative evaluation of Local Area Coordination in Waltham Forest has been published by Mark Gamsu and Simon Rippon of Leeds Beckett University.
The evaluation took place in the early stages of operation of Local Area Coordination in Waltham Forest and has shown early positive results from the programme.
The evaluation describes how the programme has stayed true to Local Area Coordination values and principles and explains that “one of the things that is striking about the Local Area Coordinator role is the way it draws on elements of neighbourhood based community work and community social work skills while at the same time...focus[es] on building on people’s strengths rather than focusing on their deficits.”
The evaluation also considers the relationship between Local Area Coordination and Social Prescribing and recognises the important role of both models of working in Waltham Forest, though emphasises that “Local Area Coordination is particularly important with regard to rebuilding trust and connection with people who have lost touch with statutory and community support”. The evaluation also praises Local Area Coordination for helping to “promote and build community led resources and non-service solutions”. Read the full report here
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The Local Area Coordination approach in Waltham Forest “is successful at improving the quality of life and self efficacy of people who would otherwise remain vulnerable and disconnected from their community and neighbourhood resources and formal services.”
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Job vacancies
Here's a couple of examples of life changing community connections being made in Swansea through Local Area Coordination...
Gary
After meeting Gary in the community, Dan Garnell, Local Area Coordinator in Swansea, soon realised Gary had a talent which could benefit the local Veterans Club and through his role he connected them both together....
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After years of painting as a way of therapy for his depression, local Swansea artist, Gary Crosby, is hoping to hold an exhibition where he can sell his collection of art and donate his earnings to the Veterans Club.
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Alice
Alice met Fiona, Local Area Coordinator, earlier this year when they were put in touch by a mutual acquaintance. Fiona got to know Alice over a period of months and Alice confided that she was a sex worker and in an abusive relationship. Find out what happened to Alice here.
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"Fiona came into my life when I thought nobody could help me. I felt so ashamed and just didn't want to go on. I'll always be grateful for the time she spent with me and thank her from the bottom of my heart.” - Alice
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Job vacancies
Birmingham Local Area Coordinator
£26,470 - £33,136 (36.5 hours pw)
Fixed Term Contract until 31st December 2019
The Birmingham team are recruiting their first three Local Area Coordinators, initially starting in West Heath, Boldmere and Lozells. Read more and apply
Closing date 10th December 2018
Community Catalysts Community Connector 
£32,000 (pro rate - 30 hours pw)
2 year fixed term contract
Community Catalysts are starting a new piece of work in partnership with Camphill Village Trust and need an energetic, community minded, creative person to coordinate things. The post will lead the Embracing Community Project, based at Botton Village, Danby, North Yorkshire and help people to work together to improve lives and local opportunities. Read more and apply
Closing date 30th November 2018 at 12 noon
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Views from a new Local Area Coordinator in York
I write this, 7 weeks into my new role as a Local Area Coordinator. As I move from one phase into the next, it’s a good time to reflect on my experience so far.
I am struck by the abundance of opportunities and possibilities that I have encountered in my community. York is famous for its narrow streets and story telling, hidden network of ginnels, alleyways and snickets; but there is another network in York with a powerful story to tell. Its people.
I have been swept off my feet by the enthusiasm of the people that I have met. Community groups, community members and community initiatives, all using the language of optimism. They know the potential of what their neighbours can do for one another and they want to do it.
I am also heartened by conversations with my colleagues in traditional service settings. Their receptiveness to language change, doing things differently and developing relationships is reassuring, as Local Area Coordination invites our colleagues to join us in what may sometimes feel like a “leap of faith”.
I’m excited to stand alongside my community and be part of the change; the vision for the future. And do you know what? I think they might let me...
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Independent evaluation in Suffolk
The independent evaluation of the Local Area Coordination programme in Suffolk has now been published. The evaluation was compiled by the University of Essex and showed that, while in operation, the programme:
- Reduced demand on other services (health, police, education, council)
- Reduced the isolation of individuals
- Improved the feeling of belonging for individuals in the community
- Improved the wellbeing of individuals
Read the summary here
Read the full evaluation here
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Welsh Government consultation on loneliness and isolation
The Welsh Government are holding an open consultation about how they can best tackle loneliness and isolation in the country.
The consultation is open to all individuals you might want to add your own comments too. Read more and submit your comments
The consultation will close on 15th January 2019.
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#socialcarefuture event& NCASC conference
It was great that some Local Area Coordination teams were involved in the #socialcarefuture event and NCASC conference in Manchester this month and it was lovely to hear Local Area Coordination being talked about nationally as an innovative model in the future of community-centred support.
If you couldn't make it to the events but are interested in finding out more the following videos and presentations are available - just follow the links...
#socialcarefuture event 14th/15th November
NCASC conference 14th/15th/16th November
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External Events
Building Community Capacity Practitioners' Meeting - Routes to Wellbeing: Making a positive difference
When? 12th December 2018
Where? Birmingham
Cost? FREE
What is it? Run by TLAP the event is suitable for anyone with an interest in building stronger and more resilient communities. Speakers include Patrick Hall - Sustainable Care Research Programme at Birmingham University, Eve Riley - Richmond Group Taskforce on People Living with Multiple Conditions and Jodie Stus - Dance for Health. Read more and book a place
Learning Disability England annual conference - building alliances, working together
When? 24th January 2019
Where? Central Manchester
Cost? One FREE ticket for member organisations. Fees apply for further tickets and non-members
What is it? This event will focus on how alliances and partnerships are helping people achieve the changes they want, including examples of how people and organisations are:
- Creating new housing options, social care, and community networks building on ways of working that focus on rights and a good life
- Developing alliances between self advocacy, family led and provider organizations to strengthen rights and people’s own voice
- Working out how building and maintaining relationships is helping people tackle the challenges of lack of resources, and uncertainty
- Changing how they work together by listening to and learning from different people. Read more and book a place
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How to get in touch
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