A network of people who work at the heart of Leicestershire’s communities to improve lives are celebrating their 10th anniversary.
The county council’s ‘local area coordinators’ aren’t often in the spotlight but provide a lifeline to many who need health and wellbeing support.
By supporting people to link in with others and connect with local groups, they help residents to make positive changes, and also reduce demand on public services.
A decade on, the 30-strong team remain a constant, trusted presence enabling them to connect with thousands of residents, community organisations and other professionals to offer a wide-range of support.
Elliot Hall is a community centre in South Wigston and thanks to the work of the coordinator for Wigston, Mary Flynn, has become a hub for residents and a number of different groups.
Mary also supports the Pantry Nook programme which for £5 per week, gives access to fresh food, hygiene products and preloved clothes.
“For 10 years, our Local Area Coordinators have diligently transformed lives and have been that crucial link between service users and service providers.
“Their work is about building trust, interagency working, restoring dignity, and making people feel seen, heard, and supported.
“As Cabinet Member for health, I’m proud to join in celebrating a decade of personalised, local, care that puts people first.”
Person:Councillor Michael Squires, cabinet member for health
Mary added: “In the past eight years I have worked with charities and residents to support the pantry and community groups to develop and become established.
“Working in partnership with the residents we can highlight that the solution lies within the individual.”
Contact a local area coordinator using the contact details on their webpage, or call 0116 305 0705 to find out more.