As part of the early intervention & prevention agenda the Council have invested in asset based approaches that support citizens to stay strong, healthy and to contribute to society.  Examples of this include Local Area Coordination, Community Facilitators and the Ways to Wellbeing Service operated by York CVS. The staff concerned meet regularly to ensure a joined up approach, networking and peer support. The initiatives reflect the Council’s community operating model and alignment of asset based working and ‘Future Focus’. 

Local Area Coordination

Local Area Coordination is an evidence-based approach to supporting people as valued citizens in their communities. It enables people to pursue their vision for a good life and to stay safe, strong, connected, and healthy and in control. As well as building the skills, knowledge and confidence of people and the community, Local Area Coordination is an integral part of system transformation. It simplifies the system and provides a single, accessible, local point of contact for people in their local community, reflecting the place based approach.

City of York Council recently appointed three local area co-ordinators who will work with local residents in Westfield, Tang Hall and Huntington and New Earwick, with plans to roll the programme out over time. The team will also support residents to:
  *   Identify their strengths, skills and gifts
  *   Access a range of information
  *   Develop relationships and community networks
  *   Get their voice heard
  *   Take actions to make their life better
  *   Be more involved in their community
  *   Get the right help from services
The team will receive ‘introductions’ (not referrals) from all part of the system and communities from 1 August 2017.

Contact details are available at https://www.york.gov.uk/localareacoordination

In summary Local Area Coordination is ‘place based’ and involves ‘walking alongside’ individuals and their families to support them to realise their vision for a good life.

Local Area Coordination Leaflet

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