Good Local Economics

So the much anticipated truth is out, the chancellor has failed to cut the deficit. He didn’t forget the deficit, he just didn’t do it. This is not surprising since it was largely unattainable in any case. What is perhaps more surprising is the government’s continued belief that it can be cut by pursuing the same strategy it has over the last four years.

Changing systems isn’t easy but it starts with small steps. Here’s ten ways in which you can help create change in a community near you now:

1. Develop person-centred integrated approaches
Taking care of ourselves, looking out for one another and using coordinated public services to fill the gaps is the essence of co-production. In Enschede in the Netherlands, the Social GP Programme (also called the Neighbourhood Coach Project) trains local people, working on behalf of about 25 different services, to inform and support people with a range of needs e.g. health, housing, income, education and employment, in order to help them to improve their life chances. The Black Pastors network in Wandsworth has trained local pastors to help detect early signs of mental health issues among their congregation. Co-production is not simply an excuse to cut costs but a way to bring greater diversity into systems of care.