Place, Strengths and Assets: A Case Study of how Local Area Coordination is Supporting Individuals and Families Under Conditions of Austerity

TY - JOUR

T1 - Place, Strengths and Assets

T2 - A Case Study of how Local Area Coordination is Supporting Individuals and Families Under Conditions of Austerity

AU - Bainbridge, Laura

AU - Lunt, Neil

N1 - © The Author(s) 2021. This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self-archiving policy. Further copying may not be permitted; contact the publisher for details

PY - 2021/3/19

Y1 - 2021/3/19

N2 - We report findings of a mixed-method evaluation of Local Area Coordination (LAC) in one English Local Authority – an approach that draws on principles of earlier intervention, and place-, asset- and strengths-based activity. We drew on documentary materials, unstructured observation and qualitative interviews. In total, fifty-five qualitative interviews were conducted, with professional stakeholders, including Coordinators, statutory agencies and community organisations, and a purposive sample of individuals supported by LAC.Positively, LAC is operating as intended. It is a flexible and agile approach, and one that is less constrained by the expectations and methods associated with traditional service delivery. Reported impacts include: tackling isolation and loneliness; building a positive vision of the future; identifying non-service solutions; and being heard. We discuss ongoing conceptual and methodological challenges to building the LAC evidence base, fostering professional support and understanding, and managing expectations of individuals and communities in furthering development. Resolving these would allow LAC to move beyond being a promising, local and small-scale transformative development for individuals and families. Its future trajectory is enmeshed in the implications of Covid-19 for individuals, families and communities: rising poverty and widening inequality, a fragile Third Sector, and concerns about community fatigue and erosion of trust.

AB - We report findings of a mixed-method evaluation of Local Area Coordination (LAC) in one English Local Authority – an approach that draws on principles of earlier intervention, and place-, asset- and strengths-based activity. We drew on documentary materials, unstructured observation and qualitative interviews. In total, fifty-five qualitative interviews were conducted, with professional stakeholders, including Coordinators, statutory agencies and community organisations, and a purposive sample of individuals supported by LAC.Positively, LAC is operating as intended. It is a flexible and agile approach, and one that is less constrained by the expectations and methods associated with traditional service delivery. Reported impacts include: tackling isolation and loneliness; building a positive vision of the future; identifying non-service solutions; and being heard. We discuss ongoing conceptual and methodological challenges to building the LAC evidence base, fostering professional support and understanding, and managing expectations of individuals and communities in furthering development. Resolving these would allow LAC to move beyond being a promising, local and small-scale transformative development for individuals and families. Its future trajectory is enmeshed in the implications of Covid-19 for individuals, families and communities: rising poverty and widening inequality, a fragile Third Sector, and concerns about community fatigue and erosion of trust.

U2 - 10.1093/bjsw/bcab041

DO - 10.1093/bjsw/bcab041

M3 - Article

SN - 1468-263X

VL - 51

SP - 1354

EP - 1373

JO - British Journal of Social Work

JF - British Journal of Social Work

IS - 4

ER -