Four more Local Area Coordinators have been recruited meaning the network can now offer support to all communities in Swansea.
Local Area Coordination has been a huge success since it was first initiated by Swansea Council in three wards in the city in 2015.
The Coordinators work with communities and individuals to support those facing challenges so that their position does not escalate to the point where health or social service intervention is needed.
The team was also at the forefront of the council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic by supporting people impacted by the virus and lockdowns and encouraging neighbour to neighbour support when residents came forward offering to help.
Once their training is completed Brian Farr will be covering Penclawdd and Three Crosses, Seren Aldron will be in Bishopston and Pennard, Natalie McCombe in the West of Gower and Jon Bevis will be in Dyfatty, Mount Pleasant & Waun Wen as his predecessor Amy Beuse has moved to the new area of Mayals, West Cross, Oystermouth and Newton.
Mark Child, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “I am very proud that we have now reached the milestone of having a team large enough to serve all our communities in Swansea.
“Swansea was the first council in Wales to trial local area coordination and we have seen it make a real impact for the better and literally transform people’s lives by walking alongside them and helping them to identify their strengths and develop their confidence.
“Since that initial investment the team has been expanding and our four latest recruits now brings the network to 26.
“They have a wide-ranging brief that includes helping people to develop skills and ideas to avoid crises by finding practical solutions to everyday problems.
“A key part of their role is to look out for people who might be lonely or isolated and help them uncover and use the hidden strengths in their lives and those in the community to prevent the need for intervention from social services or other agencies.
“Our ambition has been that all communities in Swansea benefit from a local area coordinator and I’m delighted that we have now achieved this.”
