Thurrock Local Area Co-ordination

Lead service provider/commissioner

Name:

Thurrock Council

Type of knowledge

Type of knowledge:

Project evaluation

Type of evaluation:

Interviews

Prevention service description

There are two levels of support available through Local Area Coordination. These are: a) Level 1 support is the provision of information and/or limited support. There is no assessment or intake process. Anyone can contact the local area coordinator for Level 1 support. Although information and advice is often given and no further support is needed at that time, a connection has been made that may be of benefit in the future. b) Level 2 support is a longer-term relationship supporting people (children and adults); who are vulnerable due to physical, intellectual, cognitive and/or sensory disability, mental health needs, age or frailty and require sustained assistance to build relationships, nurture control, choice and self-sufficiency, plan for the future, find practical solutions to problems etc. Local area coordinators get to know local groups, organisations, businesses and individuals, looking for ways to link people into their communities and match them with others with similar passions and strengths. People have been linked with Community Hubs and forums, social groups, hobby groups, lunch clubs, faith groups, community cafes, support groups and volunteer opportunities. People have also been supported to share their skills with others, for mutual benefit. In this way, LAC has tried to reduce the need for more formal statutory services.

Local area coordinators were recruited using an intensive citizen-lead co-production process whereby people were assessed on the basis of their ability to interact with their local communities during an event whereby local representatives chosen via a local CVS and social enterprise talked to candidates in groups. A shortlist for interview was then made after collating the results of this day, with a final interview with community leaders.

Intervention/service type:

Information and advice; Low-level support

Target client group(s):

Older people; Adults with long-term health conditions; Adults with learning disabilities; Adults with mental health problems; Carers