New service helps locals build their social networks

SWANSEA is leading the way in Wales with a new way of helping people stay strong and connected to their local communities.

Originally developed in Australia, local area co-ordination is now happening in Swansea so people can find local solutions to problems before they reach crisis point.

Three Local Area Co-ordinators have been recruited to try out the idea for 12 months in Swansea. They are Jon Franklin, who will be working in Sketty, Dan Morris for St Thomas and Bonymaen, and Ronan Ruddy in Gorseinon and Loughor.

Cllr Jane Harris, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services, said: “People in these three areas are pioneering a radical change in the way that communities and the Council  work together to support everyone in their neighbourhoods to stay healthy, safe and happy.

“Right from the start, local residents have been key in helping the Council make Local Area Co-ordination happen.

“They helped interview and recruit the three co-ordinators who will be the local point of contact for community members who need advice or support, including disabled people, people with mental health problems, older people, their families and carers.

“Local srea co-ordination is a tried and tested method of helping people and communities develop skills and ideas that help them to avoid crises, find practical solutions to everyday problems, stay strong and build a good life.”

The co-ordinators are already building networks and relationships in the three areas and, if successful after 12 months, the scheme could be expanded to other parts of Swansea.

Meanwhile the local people who helped to recruit them are using their ideas and knowledge of their own neighbourhoods to guide the Council and the Local Area Co-ordinators.

One of them is Sketty resident Mandy Harvey. She said: “We know that local area co-ordination has worked in Australia and other parts of the UK. We want to try it here so that communities become safer and healthier in the way that best suits them, and before people hit the kind of crisis that needs intervention from Social Services or health services.

“We know we have great communities in Swansea. This work builds on that strength to make sure that everyone stays connected.”