Thousands see benefit of local area coordination

2022 was the first year that all areas of the city were covered by dedicated local area coordinators following the continued expansion of the service.

An impact report shows that during the year the team worked directly with 1,830 people, many of whom were facing significant challenges, while they also had informal contact with a further 5,000 residents.

Swansea has a team of 23 local area coordinators and you can find who covers your area by visiting https://www.swansea.gov.uk/localareacoordination

They work with communities and individuals to build capacity and support those facing challenges so that their position does not escalate to the point where health or social service intervention is needed.

They are also accessible points of contact providing information and links between groups, activities and people.

The impact report highlights case studies of where local area coordinators have made a real positive difference on the lives of individuals.

These include people who are now less isolated and socialise more, others who feel more in control of their health and their lives and residents who have increased confidence and hope in their futures.

The report also contains testimonies from partners and community groups who work with the team.

Hayley Gwilliam, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Community Support, said: "In 2015 the council started local area coordination in three wards in the city and as we saw the positive impact it was having it has been rolled out to cover area in Swansea.

"2022 was the first year that all wards had a local area coordinator and the report demonstrates the success the team is having and how they are walking alongside people and quite literally changing lives.

"They have a wide-ranging brief that includes helping people to identify and develop their own strengths skills and ideas in order to become more confident and resilient".