Empowering east Bicester residents to help themselves
Residents in east Bicester now have access to a local area coordinator and community-based programme launched initially in Chipping Norton in June, putting them in the driving seat to find local support for life’s daily challenges.
Funded by Oxfordshire County Council and supported by partners including Cherwell District Council and Bicester Town Council, the project puts residents in touch with a local area coordinator who helps them to navigate the wealth of support available in the community, with a view to improving their wellbeing.
Tamsin Ireland is the new Local Area Coordinator for east Bicester and said: “Bicester has a number of amazing community and voluntary organisations, all having a hugely positive impact on their members and the people they support.
“But sometimes people struggle to know what’s available to them and how to get involved. That’s where local area coordinators come in. We take the time to really get to know people, learning more about them and empowering them to take control of their lives, make informed decisions, and build resilience.
“I would urge anyone in east Bicester who feels they would benefit from less formal, community-based support to get in touch. Together we can find something that’s right for them.”
Local people and organisations have been actively involved in the development of the programme, including the recruitment of the local area coordinator themselves, ensuring the selected person is well-suited.
A local area coordinator can meet anyone in their designated zone, which is kept deliberately small in size to enable more valuable interactions for the people involved. No referral is needed and there are no time limits or barriers to access the support.
They help people to identify and achieve their vision of a better life, often by exploring less formal solutions to any challenges or concerns they might be experiencing.
The local area coordinator can also support local groups and people who wish to start their own activities and help people get involved.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “There’s a huge range of community organisations in Oxfordshire that offer support in a variety of ways. From workshops to singing groups, there’s something for everyone and they are all valued members of our Oxfordshire Way partnership.
“But it’s sometimes difficult for people to identify exactly what’s out there and how to get involved, especially when they’re suffering from conditions such as anxiety and depression.
“Local area coordinators can help. By listening to residents and taking the time to really understand their situation, people like Tamsin can enable them to find the best solutions to the difficulties they might be facing.”
Tamsin Ireland is now available for a face to face introduction by contacting her by email at tamsin.ireland@oxfordshire.gov.uk or by calling 07745 208215
There are further plans for similar positions in Kidlington and Didcot later this year.
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