3.3 Asset-based approaches to community development

This is a photograph of a group of people working in a garden.
Figure 13

Whatever the current policy discourse, identifying the assets present in communities and working to build on these without overly focusing on the negative aspects, is the foundation of asset-based approaches. This requires identifying and building on:

  • Personal assets: the knowledge, skills, talents and aspirations of individuals.
  • Neighbourhood assets: physical places and buildings that contribute to health/wellbeing, e.g. parks, libraries, leisure centres.
  • Social assets: relationships and connections with friends, family and peers.
  • Community assets: voluntary sector organisations and associations, clubs and community groups.

OpenLearn - Introducing social work: a starter kit
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