Leeds’ trailblazing Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) program is set to expand following a decision by Leeds City Council.
The council aims to capitalize on the program’s success by introducing three new Pathfinder sites located in Bramley (Bramley Baths), Hawksworth Wood in Kirkstall (HAVA), and Little London and Woodhouse (Oblong). With these additions, the city now hosts a total of 17 Pathfinder sites. Each site will be staffed by an ABCD Community Builder, whose role will be to identify and harness the unique assets of each area.
These Community Builders will focus on utilizing the capabilities, strengths, and skills of local residents to foster citizen-led initiatives that aim to return power to the local community. Since its inception in 2013, the ABCD in Leeds programme has been instrumental in fostering safe spaces for local people to initiate and drive changes in their communities. Based on the principle of leveraging local strengths, the ABCD model promotes a positive environment that empowers individuals to share their skills, knowledge, gifts, and ideas. You can also follow and find out more about the ABCD programme on 𝕏 @ABCDinLeeds
This community-led strategy has enhanced social connections and spurred citizen-led initiatives, improving the health and wellbeing of residents through activities like dance and art groups, community choirs, gardening projects, cooking skills sharing, coffee mornings, and knitting groups. Preparation efforts are currently in progress at each of the new ABCD in Leeds Pathfinder sites, with launches anticipated for the summer of 2024.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, public health and active lifestyles said:
“We are delighted to be able to announce the introduction of three new ABCD in Leeds Pathfinder sites which will serve the communities of Bramley, Little London and Woodhouse, and the Hawksworth Wood area. This is very exciting news and is recognition of the truly fantastic work which the ABCD in Leeds programme has undertaken since its launch in 2013, harnessing and supporting the immense talent that exists in our communities.
“Not only do our Pathfinder sites led by local groups provide residents with an opportunity to learn new skills and discover hidden talents, they also crucially provide them with the support they need to contribute and help bring forward positive change that mirror the individual needs of their communities.”
Jenny Willetts, Business Development Manager, Bramley Baths said:
“We are overjoyed to be one of the recipients of the ABCD in Leeds grant. Championing this way of working within the Bramley community will create so many positive connections, experiences and opportunities for its residents.”
Cherie Cartwright, Chair of HAVA, Cherie Cartwright said:
“HAVA and KVDT are thrilled to have been allocated funding to employ an ABCD community builder for Hawksworth Wood. It is an exciting opportunity to further empower our community, listening to and drawing on their strengths. We are lucky to have a diverse community with great ideas and experience. Our ABCD community builder will support connecting this knowledge, bringing more of the community together to create positive change.”
Fawzia Mir, Development Officer, Oblong said:
“Oblong are very excited to be delivering the ABCD Pathfinder project in Woodhouse and Little London. Oblong has a proven commitment to asset-based community development, and we welcome the opportunity to deliver this project that aligns well with our vision and values.”
A 2021 study conducted by Leeds Beckett University has identified numerous benefits and significant outcomes from the ABCD in Leeds project. The research evaluated the adaptability of the ABCD approach across diverse communities in Leeds and its potential for national application.
The study specifically examined how the ABCD model functions in practice, focusing on three positive outcomes: the development of strong friendships, improved connections between individuals and organizations, and the ability of communities to identify and collaborate on desired changes. For further details on the study’s findings, please visit www.abcdinleeds.com/resources
For more information about the ABCD in Leeds program, please visit www.abcdinleeds.com
