Residents in Harold Hill will be leading the way locally when a new initiative aimed at making community connections and supporting people through difficult times launches this month.
Residents will be working with the Council over the coming months to recruit Havering’s first Local Area Coordinators. Coordinators are locally-based people who have exceptional knowledge of their community and are considered as the “go to” person who can help with a range of needs.
A group of local residents have formed a steering group and are paving the way for Local Area Coordination to come to Harold Hill.
The group said: “A Local Area Coordinator holds someone’s hand until they are strong enough to hold someone else’s…they join all the dots and connect people together, finding out what people need to be happy and what people can bring to their community.”
Coordinators support a range of people including those with mental health needs, those who are isolated or those living with long-term health conditions. They also work with local organisations who introduce them to people who might benefit from their support. This might include local cafes, local GPs, faith groups, or charities.
Councillor Jason Frost, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care Services, said:
“We knew that Harold Hill would be the perfect place for Local Area Coordination to start in Havering as there is a huge amount of community spirit here and neighbours really look out for one another.
“This is about helping communities to identify their strengths and supporting people to achieve their wishes and dreams for their local area. It is about working with people experiencing complex issues to reach their vision of a good life, with the support of their community and the people around them.”
If you live in Harold Hill, and would like to be involved in deciding who your Local Area Coordinator is, contact rebecca.amy-smith@havering.gov.uk
If you would be interested in becoming a Local Area Coordinator, there is an open evening to find out more at Harold Hill Library on Monday, 27 January from 6 – 8pm.
Other parts of Havering will be following in the footsteps of Harold Hill and the Council is exploring which areas will be next for Local Area Coordination.