I began my journey as a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for Wigston in October 2022, after the role had been vacant for several months. My priority was to connect with residents who had been waiting for support, while also building relationships with proactive residents, local partners, and professionals in the community.
No two days are the same. While the role includes admin, emails, and calls, much of my time is spent visiting residents, attending local groups, and supporting people to connect with opportunities such as coffee mornings, Hub Club, and games groups. To do this well, I need to know my community and for my community to know me.
Supporting residents through life’s challenges
A key part of my role is supporting people through difficult times. For example, I helped one resident struggling with depression after losing his dog, which had been central to his routine. Through regular conversations and attending a local games group, he began to feel more supported and less isolated.
Another resident, who had previously experienced a mental health crisis, shared how she wished she had known about LACs, and the support we offer earlier. I supported her with housing, police, and neighbour issues, and over time, she grew in confidence, became involved in the community, and felt more settled at home. Seeing her reflect positively on her journey at our 10-year celebration meant a lot to me.
I also supported someone experiencing financial abuse. Building trust took time, but once he opened, up I was able to connect him with ongoing support, strengthening his network and helping him understand how to seek help in the future.
Building connection and community
Helping people connect is something I am truly passionate about. Seeing individuals build meaningful relationships, strengthen their support networks, and become more involved in their communities is incredibly fulfilling. It is rewarding to know that these connections can help reduce isolation, increase confidence, and improve overall wellbeing.
I supported the creation of Games Squad, now a thriving weekly group where members play games, build friendships, and share positive moments from their week.
More recently, I helped develop A-Typical, a neurodiverse support group for adults and carers across Wigston, Oadby, and South Wigston. This has quickly grown into a welcoming and supportive space where friendships have formed, and members take part in activities together including climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). Creative sessions, such as resident-led workshops, have helped build confidence and connection.
I’ve also worked with a local GP surgery to set up monthly drop-in sessions, giving residents easy access to support, advice, and information about local services.
A role that makes a difference
I value the flexibility of this role, the relationships built with residents, and the opportunity to work alongside partners and at community events. While the work can be challenging, particularly when supporting people through complex situations, it is incredibly rewarding. I continue to grow in confidence, develop new skills, and benefit from the support of a strong team.
Positive feedback and lasting impact
The impact of my work is reflected in feedback we get. People recognise the effort made to explore every possible avenue of support, even for those who have had previously had barriers to engaging with other professionals. Many have shared that the support has brought light into their lives, with one saying it helped them more than previous mental health support.
My aim is always to help people build confidence, strengthen independence, and achieve their goals with the right support, and I love what I do.