Bridging the Gaps In Evidencing Prevention: Key Findings from a Multi-site Study of Local Area Coordination

Jessop, Ben; Cook, Joe; Thierry, Harriet

Abstract

Executive Summary:
The transformative potential of second wave preventative interventions (Local Area Coordination, Neighbourhood Networking, place-based hubs, etc.), lies in their perceived ability to relieve demands and financial strain on formal services, while simultaneously developing more effective systems of support and empowerment for citizens and communities. Yet we lack a detailed comprehensive understanding of how, why and under what circumstances second wave prevention strategies can improve the lives of people who access health and social care services and/or reduce the need for statutory services.
The research focused on Local Area Coordination (LAC) because it is a unique example of prevention, embodying a clearly defined national model/set of principles. It is a ‘strengths-based’ approach (building on what’s strong in people’s lives and communities). Local Area Coordination is developed through partnerships between local councils and Community Catalysts CIC who are the organisation in England and Wales responsible for developing the approach. Local Area Coordinators work with people to build their vision of a ‘good life’ and prevent, delay or reduce the need for services. The study adopted a Participatory Action Research approach (Hall, 2005; Bradbury, 2015), which combined system and ward level research, alongside experiential in-depth life stories and a Nested Economic Study (Knapp et al., 2010).
This study investigated whether and how LAC makes a difference for service users, what value it brings to local authorities as an early intervention/preventative initiative and how these outcomes can be evidenced. It examined how participants experienced LAC across four locations, how LAC engages, makes use of and contributes to community resources and the capacity of LAC to reduce engagement with statutory services. Four different locations were studied to capture how consistent the approach and outcomes were across different areas.

Citation

Jessop, B., Cook, J., & Thierry, H. (2025). Bridging the Gaps In Evidencing Prevention: Key Findings from a Multi-site Study of Local Area Coordination. National Institute for Health and Social Care Research

• Report Type: Project Report
• Online Publication Date: Apr 9, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025-04
• Deposit Date: Nov 26, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 9, 2025
• Pages: 48
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4927374