Local Area Coordination

Local Area Coordinators work with Croydon Residents to support their health, wellbeing and quality of life. Coordinators work in specific areas known as patches. They are currently working in Thornton Heath and Shirley North wards, with more areas being launched throughout 2026.

Working with people

The Local Area Coordinators help you make sense of what is happening in your life, taking the time to listen and support you in making positive changes. 

This might include support with:

• taking steps to live a good life
• building relationships and feeling part of your community
• finding opportunities to develop skills or move towards work or volunteering

Local Area Coordinators do not assess, judge or tell you what to do. They work alongside you, helping you build on your own strengths, skills, practical resources and community connections.

Local Area Coordination is not a statutory social care service.

Who can access Local Area Coordination

Anyone resident in one of the current patches can meet with the Local Area Coordinator following an introduction. There are no assessments, thresholds or eligibility criteria.

Getting started

Anyone can introduce someone to a Local Area Coordinator if they think the resident might benefit from this approach. You can also introduce yourself if you live in their patch.

Examples of people who might make an introduction:

• a friend or family member
• community worker or volunteer
• a GP, social worker, or another professional
• a councillor or someone from a local service
• someone from a faith or community group

You must get the person's consent before you arrange an introduction.

How to make an introduction

You can email the Local Area Coordinator to introduce yourself at LocalAreaCoordination@croydon.gov.uk. 

If you are introducing someone else, please copy them into the email and send:

• their written consent to be introduced
• contact preferences and details
• a brief explanation of why you are making the introduction

When you meet a Local Area Coordinator

Meetings start with a conversation and is led by you and what you want. You do not need to prepare anything.

When you first meet a Local Area Coordinator

• they will talk to you and listen to what matters to you, you decide what you want to talk about
• there is no pressure to share more than you want
• the meeting can take place in the community or where you feel comfortable
• you stay in control and decide happens next

What happens next

You can work with the Local Area Coordinator for as long as you feel is necessary. If you think you need to take a break, you can pause your support, or stop altogether. It's up to you.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about Local Area Coordination, or you want to know if there is a coordinator in your area, you can email us at localareacoordination@croydon.gov.uk.