ALISS – Supporting stronger community connections
This year’s conference theme, Rooted in Communities, Growing Together, resonates strongly with the work we do at ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland). ALISS is, and always has been, about connecting people to their communities through providing information about local health and wellbeing support.
ALISS came to life in 2009 at a time when Scotland was beginning to rethink what really keeps people well. There was a growing understanding that health and wellbeing are not supported by formal services alone. People also rely on social connections, places, and activities that help them feel part of their community. When we asked people what kept them well, they consistently told us that services like the GP and pharmacy mattered, but that walking groups, lunch clubs, allotments and other community activities did too.
Many of these community assets were informal and often invisible to anyone who did not already know about them. So, the ALISS team set out to capture information about these local resources alongside statutory services, creating a single online place where people could go to find the support they needed.
Fifteen years on, that mission remains the same. By bringing together information about local resources, services, groups, activities and support, ALISS provides a free tool that Community Link Workers can use when helping people to access community-based support. Whether someone is looking for a befriending service, money advice, a food pantry or sports club, ALISS can help them discover what is available locally.
Another key aspect of ALISS is that people can add and manage their own information. This helps ensure that local knowledge is visible and accessible to the people who need it. Through their close work with the communities they support, Community Link Workers are uniquely placed to contribute information to ALISS. They are often aware of local groups, activities and opportunities that others may not know about. Any organisation or group, no matter how big or small, can be added to ALISS as some of the most valuable support often comes from informal and grassroots initiatives.
By attending this year’s conference, we hope to support Community Link Workers across all of Scotland. Ultimately, we share a common goal: helping people find the resources that enable them to live well.
We look forward to the day and to the conversations it will spark. If you are attending, please drop by our stand to find out more about ALISS and how it can assist you in your work.
