Leeds City Council is expanding its Asset-Based Community Development programme with the launch of two new Pathfinder sites in Hyde Park and Chapeltown.
The initiative is designed to empower residents to lead positive change in their neighbourhoods by building on the skills, knowledge and resources already present within local communities. Following the success of the existing Pathfinder model, the council has approved All Hallows to deliver the Hyde Park site, while Leeds Community Homes will work in partnership with Unity Housing to lead the programme in Chapeltown.
Since 2013, Leeds City Council has funded third-sector organisations to operate as ABCD Pathfinder sites, employing Community Builders who work with residents to strengthen local connections and develop relationships based on trust. The approach focuses on the existing strengths within each community. Community Builders help residents and local groups make use of their skills, knowledge, talents and interests by supporting projects shaped around local priorities.
The model is based on the principle that people are best placed to address the issues that matter most to them. It also supports the council’s wider Community Power vision, which seeks to give residents a greater say over their neighbourhoods and the services they use.
Councillor Emma Flint, Leeds City Council’s executive member for Equality, Adults and Health on Leeds City Council said:
“We are excited to welcome two new ABCD Pathfinder sites to the communities of Hyde Park and Chapeltown.
“Since 2013, we have been proud to see our ABCD programme in Leeds grow from humble beginnings into a fantastic example of community power in action, and we can’t wait to see how work at our two new Pathfinder sites delivered by All Hallows and Leeds Community Homes in Partnership with Unity Housing will evolve and develop.
“The ABCD Pathfinder model has proved to be a driving force for people-led change, by inspiring local residents and groups to come together and lead on projects and activities that can make a positive difference in the communities where they live.”
Annmarie Clay, Operations Manager at All Hallows said:
“This ABCD funding is such a brilliant opportunity to make time for people, support them, nurture community-led projects and map out all the interesting things we know are going on in Hyde Park.”
Cynthia Brathwaite, Chief operations officer at Leeds Community Homes said:
“Leeds Community Homes welcomes the award of the ABCD Pathfinder grant from Leeds City Council. This investment strengthens our commitment to working in partnership with Unity Housing Association to identify local gifts and talents within Chapeltown, deepening neighbourhood connections, and supporting community led development.
“Together, we look forward to building on Chapeltown’s strengths, supporting local leadership, and creating the conditions for long‑term, community owned development.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive said:
“We are excited to be part of the new ABCD Pathfinder project in Chapeltown in partnership with Leeds Community Homes.
“Unity sees communities not as passive recipients of services but – with the right advice, encouragement and support – as active partners with the strengths, networks and capabilities to drive sustainable change.”
The ABCD Pathfinder approach has delivered a range of positive outcomes across Leeds, helping to strengthen community spirit and encourage residents to take the lead on local projects. The programme has also supported improvements in health and wellbeing by addressing issues including loneliness and social isolation. Projects delivered in safe and welcoming community spaces have included dance and art groups, community choirs, gardening schemes, cookery sessions, coffee mornings and knitting groups.
The launch of the two new Pathfinder sites follows the publication of an in-depth review last year examining the impact of the ABCD model between 2019 and 2025. The review highlighted the programme’s benefits and wider positive effects across local communities. It also included a Social Return on Investment study by Leeds Beckett University, which found that every £1 invested in ABCD generated £36.90 in social value in the areas served by Pathfinder sites.
To find out more regarding the review, please visit Positive impact of ABCD programme in Leeds showcased in new review.
For further information on ABCD in Leeds, please visit www.abcdinleeds.com
You can also follow and find out more about the ABCD programme on X at: @ABCDinLeeds – to join the conversation, please use the hashtags: #ABCDinLeeds #CommunityPowerLeeds
