ABCD stands for Asset-Based Community Development, a type of community development based on the work of Professors Jody Kretzmann and John McKnight.
Whilst traditional community development has focused on the identification of gaps in services, ABCD focuses on identifying what is strong in the community and not what is wrong.
At the heart of the approach is that local people know what their community needs are and by harnessing the power from the bottom up communities can be more sustainable.
The approach also recognises and looks to harness the strengths and gifts of individuals and communities, who, when they work together, create their own social action and make their community a better place.
BVA is delighted to be supporting two ABCD pilot projects in Basingstoke and Deane;
Both projects have allocated Community Builders, who have been recruited from within the communities; Kate for South Ham/Buckskin and Stacie for Oakridge/Popley. Both are currently in the Discovery stage of the projects, mapping assets and finding out what is strong in the communities.
The projects are being funded by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Hampshire County Council (HCC), working alongside Westside Community Association and Oakridge Hall for All.
If you would like to learn more about the projects, or like to speak to either Kate or Stacie, in the first instance please email contact@bvaction.org.uk
For more information about our pilot scheme please follow this link
The pilot is based on similar events run around the country, which have been inspired by Detroit SOUP.