People who felt alone, marginalised or lost, say after meetings and conversations with their Local Area Coordinator they have a new lease of life.
One woman with severe health and mobility issues has made new friends and started volunteering having previously not left her house for eight months after losing confidence.
A man who lost his wife, leaving him feeling isolated and struggling to cope says he does not think he would be here today without the support he received.
Their stories and many more are contained in a new report highlighting the impact Local Area Coordination had in Swansea last year.
Members of the team met or spoke with more than 3,000 residents and were directly involved with almost 1,200.
People report almost 3,000 positive changes to their lives including improved health and wellbeing, new friends and activities, more connection with their local community and more control of their own lives.
Last year 28 new groups were formed in communities across Swansea thanks to the direct support of Local Area Coordinators.
They work with communities and individuals to build capacity and support those facing challenges so that their position does not escalate to the point where health or social service intervention is needed.
They are also accessible points of contact providing information and links between groups, activities and people.
Swansea Council was the first in Wales to trial the benefits of Local Area Coordination and the service has grown over the last eight years.
The team were recognised at the inaugural Wales Safer Communities Awards held in 2023.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Better Communities, Hayley Gwilliam, said: “The figures for the number of people who have benefitted speak for themselves but it is the personal stories and thank-yous from individuals and grassroot organisations contained within the report that really bring home the valuable work the Local Area Coordinators do.
“People are literally saying that if they had not been introduced to a member of the team they would not be here today and if they were, their lives would be a lot less fulfilling.
“All of the team should be really proud of the difference that they are making.”
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
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