Residents are set to benefit from new community champions helping them to stay independent, feel healthier, and get support earlier.
Croydon Council has appointed Local Area Coordinators to offer personalised support to residents so they can get help before problems escalate.
Starting in Thornton Heath, Old Coulsdon, and Shirley North, the coordinators will be trusted, accessible points of contact, working side-by-side with individuals, families, and the wider community.
They will listen to residents’ needs, give practical, tailored advice to help them move forward, and signpost them to local services. This could be connecting someone who feels isolated to community activities or supporting their mental and emotional health during difficult times.
This initiative has been developed in partnership with the voluntary, community and faith sector groups (VCFS) and statutory partners. It is designed to create more opportunities for people to get the help they need and build on what is already working well in the community.
The programme will expand to other areas in the borough following resident feedback and further development.
Chloe Smith, the Local Area Coordinator for Shirley North, said: “I am excited to be working in my local area supporting people to find practical solutions to life’s challenges, and help them achieve their goals. Our role is to be on hand to listen and understand their situation. We are that friendly, familiar face in the community who will walk alongside them and help them thrive.”
Better health for all is a priority in Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon’s business plan. He said:
“This is a fantastic step towards creating healthier, more connected neighbourhoods across Croydon. Our new Local Area Coordinators will make it easier for residents to stay independent and feel confident in managing their lives. They have been recruited in partnership with the communities they serve, so their knowledge, relationships and lived experience reflect the areas they work in.”
People can find out more about Croydon’s new Local Area Coordinators on the Council website.
