New community approach empowers residents to help themselves
A new programme is being introduced in Oxfordshire, enabling residents who might face challenges in their everyday life, to find local support that’s right for them.
Funded by Oxfordshire County Council, with support from local partners including the city and district councils, local area coordinators are based in communities and are available to connect with residents, guiding them to find local resources that might make a difference to their lives.
Cheryl Huntbach (pictured) is the first Oxfordshire local area coordinator to take up their post, covering Chipping Norton.
Cheryl said: “Oxfordshire has a wealth of amazing community and voluntary organisations, all having a huge positive impact on their members and 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. As we’re embedded in communities, we can take the time to really get to know people, learning more about them and helping them to find groups and organisations that are right for them.”
A local area coordinator is a community-based worker and can meet anyone for any reason through a simple introduction. No referral is needed and there are no time limits or barriers to access the support.
By working closely with people, families, carers, groups and local services, the local area coordinator will help people identify and achieve their vision of a better life, often by finding and planning 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.
Local people and organisations have been actively involved in the development of this approach and the recruitment of the local area coordinator themselves, ensuring the selected person is well-suited.
Oxfordshire’s programme is being rolled out gradually, with another local area coordinator starting in east Bicester next month, and further plans for positions in Kidlington and Didcot later this year.
Karen Fuller, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Adult Social Care, said: “One of our key objectives is to support more people to live happy, independent lives within their own communities – it’s something we call The Oxfordshire Way.
“Local area coordinators can help us make this vision a reality. By walking side by side with people and listening to them to understand what might make a real difference, our local area coordinators can support residents to understand what’s available on their doorstep, tapping into the amazing resources in their area.
“By putting residents in the driving seat and giving them the power to find the best solutions to the difficulties they might be facing, we can help prevent more complex challenges from developing in the future.”
For residents living in Chipping Norton, Cheryl Huntbach is now available for a face to face introduction by contacting her by email at cheryl.huntbach@oxfordshire.gov.uk or by calling 07789088173.
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