Our Local Area Co-ordinators (LACs) work towards improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities. Katie is a member of the LAC team, and she works in the Blaby area – we spoke to her to find out more about this important role.
When did you start your role as LAC?
I began my role as a LAC within Blaby district in October 2020. At this time we were in lockdown due to the pandemic. It was a strange time to join such a community-focused role when we couldn’t leave our own homes. Most of my initial interactions with my team were done either over the phone, or online through Teams meetings, which was a different way for everyone to work. I developed relationships by voices, rather than faces or places. Once the lockdown restrictions lifted, it was so exciting to get out and get to know residents and communities in real life.
What’s a typical day in the life of a LAC?
The beauty of being a LAC for me is that no two days are the same. However well planned the day is, it sometimes doesn’t work out as you had thought! Being embedded into the communities we support can mean we are visiting and supporting community groups such as coffee mornings, dementia groups or craft groups. If we are seeing a resident, this may mean seeing them in their own home, in a local coffee shop, or within a group depending on where they feel most comfortable. Our focus is always on what the resident wants; but our work is guided by some powerful principles to guide and ensure that residents are in the driving seat. This means that the work that we do together is different for everyone. We work alongside other agencies to be able to support residents and communities in the best way possible. This might involve attending meetings, planning joint events, or sometimes completing joint home visits.
What aspects of the role do you enjoy the most?
There are so many aspects of the LAC role that I enjoy and gain satisfaction from. I love the variety and opportunities it offers. I get a lot out of developing relationships with residents and seeing them develop the tools to grow and identify the changes they need to improve their lives. I enjoy working in such a creative way to meet the wants, desires and aspirations of residents and communities.
How does the work make you feel?
I am never bored in this role. There are always opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I hear from residents what a difference it has made having someone to ‘walk alongside them’ which is wonderful. I gain satisfaction from being able to respond creatively to both people and communities.
To find out more about the work of our local area co-ordinators or to make contact with your local LAC visit their dedicated page.