Leeds’ innovative ABCD program is set to expand its reach as three new Pathfinder sites receive

An innovative, asset-based community development program is to be expanded across Leeds.

This follows Leeds City Council’s decision to build on the success of its Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) program and introduce three new Pathfinder sites in Bramley (Bramley Baths), the Hawksworth Wood area, with residence in Kirkstall (HAVA) and Little. London and Woodhouse (Oblong). The introduction of the three Pathfinder sites brings the total in the city to 17.

Each new site will use an ABCD Community Builder to identify different assets that exist in each area and seek to explore how they can leverage and build on the capacities, strengths and skills of residents to deliver citizen-led initiatives that try to shift the power back. in the hands of the local community.

Since 2013, the ABCD program in Leeds has played an important role in providing a safe space for local people to lead and make the changes they want to see in the communities where they live. The ABCD model is based on focusing on what is strong in an area, creating a positive environment where people feel empowered to share their skills, knowledge, gifts and ideas with each other. This community-led approach created social connection and citizen-led action by building friendships and mutual change, which improved the health and well-being of the local people living there. Initiatives undertaken ranged from dance and art groups to community choirs, gardening projects and sharing cooking skills, to coffee mornings and knitting groups!

Preparation work is now underway with each new ABCD at the Leeds Pathfinder site, with individual launches expected to take place in the summer of 2024.

To find out more about ABCD in Leeds, please visit: www.abcdinleeds.com

Councilor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, public health and active lifestyle, said:

“We are delighted to be able to announce the introduction of three new ABCDs to the 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 that the ABCD program in Leeds has undertaken since its launch in 2013, harnessing and supporting the huge talent that exists in our communities. Not only do our Pathfinder sites, run by local groups, give residents an opportunity to learn new skills and discover hidden talents, but they also crucially give them the support they need to contribute and contribute to positive change that reflects the individual needs of their communities. .”

Jenny Willettts, Business Development Manager, Bramley Baths, said:

“We are very pleased to be one of the recipients of the ABCD grant in Leeds. Supporting this way of working within the Bramley community will create so many positive connections, experiences and opportunities for its residents.”

Cherie Cartwright HAVA Chair Cherie Cartwright said:

“HAVA and KVDT are delighted to have been awarded funding to employ an ABCD Community Builder for Hawksworth Wood.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to empower our community by listening to them and building 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 community together to create positive change.”

Fawzia Mir, Development Officer, Oblong said:

“Oblong are very excited to deliver 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.”

Notes to editors: 

New Pathfinder Sites:

Bramley Baths will deliver a Pathfinder site in Bramley. For more information see: Bramley Baths | Swimming | Bramley Baths, Broad Lane, Bramley, Leeds, UK

The Pathfinder site in the Hawksworth Wood area will be delivered by HAWA. HAVA Big Local Leeds | Facebook

A new Pathfinder site in Little London and Woodhouse will be delivered by elongated For more information, see: Oblong | Woodhouse Community Centre

Follow us on Twitter!

You can also follow and learn more about the ABCD program on X, formerly known as Twitter at: @ABCDinleeds #communitypowerleeds #ABCDinleeds

Academic research:

A study undertaken by Leeds Beckett University and published in 2021 found a variety of benefits and strong outcomes from the ABCD project in Leeds. The study looked at the functionality of the ABCD approach and its ability to be implemented in a wide range of communities both in Leeds and nationally.

It also looked at how the ABCD model worked in practice, assessing the impact of three positive outcomes: people having good friends, individuals and organizations becoming better connected, and communities identifying and working together to make the changes they want to see them. To read more about the study’s findings, please see: Resources | Abcd in Leeds

IT’S ENDING

For media inquiries, please contact:

Leeds City Council Communications and Marketing,

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 0113 378 6007