From Diana Conyers, Ryde:

IN 2015, the Isle of Wight Council introduced a new type of support worker, known as a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

LACs provide support for vulnerable people in the community, where their needs can be addressed before they become acute, which in turn reduces the pressure on ‘mainstream’ health and welfare services.

There are now LACs in almost all parts of the Island and they are providing an invaluable service for large numbers of people.

Until recently, the council has promoted the LAC service as one of its main achievements and encouraged other local authorities to follow its lead. But now there are plans to axe it. Why? To save money, of course.

It is yet another example of how cuts to council services are hitting the most vulnerable members of our community.

I would urge everyone to fight this cut. If you want to know more about the service — and hear what councillors have previously said in support of it, follow this link to watch a short video: tinyurl.com/yb8nxz9m