Comm. Dev : A review

Definition Community development seeks to empower individuals and groups of people, with the skills they need to advocate on their own behalf, improve their lives, and provide communities with access to resources

Definition It is a process that emphasizes the importance of working with people as they define their own goals, mobilize resources, and develop action plans for addressing problems they have collectively identified

Definition (health context) is a process by which a community defines its own health needs to bring about change. The emphasis is on collective action to readress inequalities in health and enhance access to health care

Method Community development uses a variety of methods and activities such as self help work, outreach, local action groups, lobbying, peer work, festivals and events, information, advocacy, group work, network building and pump priming community initiatives with small grants

Cont.. The key characteristic of community development is that it starts from the experiences and perspectives of communities.

Cont.. In terms of health, local people need to be enabled or supported to identify the factors that impinge on their health and the solutions. It is argued that genuine participation is only possible when there is involvement in decision-making and evaluation

The main benefits of community development approaches Improving networks in a community, which has been shown to have a protective effect on health. Identifying health needs from users’ point of view, in particular disadvantaged and socially excluded groups.

The main benefits of community development approaches Change and influence, as it enhances local planning and delivery of services. Developing local services and structures that act as a resource. Improving self-esteem and learning new skills that can aid employment.

The main benefits of community development approaches Widening the boundaries of the health care debate by involving people in defining their views on health and local services. Tackling underlying causes of ill health and disadvantage.