A comprehensive new review has showcased the significant and growing impact of Leeds’ pioneering Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) programme over a six-year period, revealing powerful outcomes for residents and neighbourhoods across the city.
Published this month, A review of ABCD in Leeds Pathfinder Sites (2019–2025): A six-year journey from seeds to trees brings together the experiences of key stakeholders and local people involved in ABCD work at six dedicated Pathfinder sites: Better Action for Families (BAFF), Horsforth Community Assets Project (HCAP), LS14 Trust, Older People’s Action in the Locality (OPAL), St Luke’s Cares and Touchstone.
Since 2013, the ABCD in Leeds programme has played a vital role in supporting residents to lead the changes they want to see in their communities. The approach focuses on recognising and building on the strengths, skills and connections already present in local areas. By enabling people to share their gifts, passions and ideas with one another, ABCD has sparked a wide range of community-led initiatives and strengthened wellbeing across neighbourhoods.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture said:
“I very much welcome the publication of our ABCD Pathfinder Review 2025, which provides a detailed and interesting analysis of how ABCD in Leeds projects were delivered in our communities and what they achieved over a six-year cycle from 2019 to summer 2025.
“To inform the review we engaged with and listened closely to the views of everyone who have played such an important part in our ABCD in Leeds Year Six Pathfinder sites. The review also provides details on the positive impacts which has been made to the lives of residents through different case studies, whilst analysis is also provided by our partners at Leeds Beckett University on the significant social return which ABCD in Leeds projects has provided.
“The findings of the review are extremely interesting and really do highlight the difference asset-based approaches can have on the lives of residents and communities. Everything we have learned will help inform and shape how we deliver ABCD in Leeds in the future, and on a final note, I would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and contributed to the review.”
Professor Anne-Marie Bagnall, Director, Centre for Health Promotion Research, Leeds Beckett University said:
“The Centre for Health Promotion Research at Leeds Beckett University have been delighted to be involved with the evaluation of the Leeds ABCD programme over the last six years. Asset Based Community Development is a powerful community-centred approach that fosters social connections, and empowers people to discover their own capabilities, and improve their health and wellbeing.
“It has been really inspiring to see this initiative grow over the years – as evidenced by our updated analysis of a £36.90 social return on investment (SROI) for the longest established site – meaning that every £1 invested now produces almost £37 worth of social value for people living in Leeds.”
The review, led by Leeds City Council’s ABCD in Leeds team, includes a series of case studies that illustrate the tangible difference this model of working has made. One example is Caroline’s journey in Horsforth. Using a Small Sparks grant, seed funding designed to kick-start community ideas — she launched the Horsforth Repair Café. The café quickly became a welcoming space where residents could bring items to be repaired by volunteer fixers, enjoy a hot drink, and connect with others. Its success has been so great that Caroline has since supported the creation of similar repair cafés in surrounding communities.
Another powerful story comes from Irene, who used Small Sparks funding to establish the St Barnabas Soup Kitchen in Burmantofts. Now supporting between 40 and 70 people each week, the kitchen has grown into a hub for friendship, connection and personal transformation. Alongside providing hot meals, the initiative tackles social isolation and offers signposting to services, help with form-filling and access to food bank provisions through partnerships with organisations such as Touchstone.
The review outlines several key findings, highlighting ABCD’s strong contribution to community wellbeing:
Strengthened health, wellbeing and social connections: ABCD Pathfinder sites have helped embed deep, meaningful relationships between local people, fostering a sense of pride, fulfilment and ownership of the places they live.
A catalytic effect on local action: Residents involved in ABCD have been inspired to take over community assets, set up Community Interest Companies, promote skills-based learning and establish intergenerational projects.
Impressive Social Return on Investment (SROI): A refreshed SROI analysis conducted by Leeds Beckett University shows that for every £1 invested in ABCD, an impressive £36.90 is returned in social value. This marks a substantial increase from a 2021 estimate of £14 and demonstrates how cost-effective the model is in supporting prevention, building sustainable community infrastructure and addressing the wider determinants of health.
The findings underline the power of an approach that places local people and their strengths at the heart of community development. Over six years, the ABCD Pathfinder sites have grown into thriving examples of what can be achieved when residents are supported to take the lead. To read the review, please see www.abcdinleeds.com
As Leeds continues to champion ABCD principles, the review suggests the programme’s legacy will continue to grow — strengthening connections, inspiring action and contributing to healthier, more resilient communities across the city.
To find out more about ABCD in Leeds, please see www.abcdinleeds.com
