MELKSHAM has been chosen as one of three towns to host a new local area coordination network for Wiltshire, a scheme that will help empower people to make improvements in their lives and become more connected in the community.
Melksham’s local area coordinators will support individuals of all ages living with disabilities, mental health issues, those who are older and their families/carers. The aim will be to help them build and pursue their personal vision for a good life; stay strong, safe and connected as contributing citizens; and find practical solutions to problems wherever possible. It is hoped that this will help to build a more welcoming, inclusive and supportive community.
A similar scheme in Frome, called ‘Compassionate Frome’, has reduced emergency hospital admissions in the area by helping patients who are lonely and isolated connect with support in the community, having a positive impact on their health.
Jerry Wickham, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health said, “We are committed to supporting independent lives in thriving, inclusive and resilient communities. To do this, we are working with local communities to recruit our first local area coordinators. There will be three in total, with one based in each of Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury.
“A local area coordinator is an accessible point of contact for people and they are available to anyone in the community for short-term support, information, advice or connections to local resources.
“We want local area coordinators to help people find their own solutions and work with them to find a range of creative ways of making it happen. When in post, the local area coordinator will make themselves known and we’re looking forward to the community getting to know them.”
