“Building on what is strong, not what is wrong” Prudhoe Community Partnership Annual General Meeting 17th July 2018 Emma Richardson Senior Manager, Poverty Lead

Community? A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. The people of a district or country considered collectively, especially in the context of social values and responsibilities; society. The condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.

Asset? A useful or valuable thing or person. benefit, advantage, blessing, good point, strong point, strength, forte, talent, gift, strong suit, long suit, virtue, recommendation, attraction, attractive feature, selling point, resource, beauty, boon, value, merit, bonus, aid, help; saving grace, redeeming feature, compensating feature...

What is Community Asset Based Development? ABCD is a methodology for the sustainable development of communities based on their strengths and potentials. It involves assessing the resources, skills, and experience available in a community; organising the community around issues that move its members into action; and then determining and taking appropriate action. This method uses the community's own assets and resources as the basis for development; it empowers the people of the community by encouraging them to utilise what they already possess. *Building Communities from the Inside Out, Kretzmann, J.P. and McKnight, J.L. 1993 After defininition - before we unpick this further: next slide

Consider traditional mapping Town A: How does this feel? Local voices asking for support what are their messages?

ABCD maps what we have, rather than what we lack. Asset based - throughout. Locally focused - local definitions, investment and control. Relationship driven - like any relationship, this needs work! Throughout - what are the assets, what do they do, can we continue to develop them

Asset based approach to mapping Town A

Assets - 3 broad areas Individuals - talents, skills, and capacities Citizens’ Associations - so often overlooked, yet rich in Northumberland! Local Institutions - the more formal structures Particularly valuable when engaging marginalised communities and individuals Institutions - parks, health, NCC, school, police, business

Every individual has needs and deficiencies… ...Every individual has talents and capacities

Releasing capacity of individuals: In the community, in a way that works, gather the information! Bite size: by age, by interest, by street…. Go to where people are. Identify influencers and build relationships. Skills audit? Creative types? Volunteering? Dialogue not a survey Digital skill? Bakers?

Ongoing dialogue, not a survey! Curious and appreciative Reflects assets back and forms connections Invests in connections and development

Groups and associations are usually experienced in identifying an opportunity, developing an idea and bringing that idea to fruition!

Releasing capacity of Groups and Associations: Often information is well known Map by theme of group - eg culture, family, activity Don’t assume - Check! Connectable assets? Skills and expertise Space and facilities Equipment Partnership/economic value Use trusted sources eg local paper but also a residents sample to call etc

Local institution mapping needs more than the bare bones - as they are often a collection of assets by their very nature. Inclusive growth / tech / planning / health initiatives / affordable housing

Mapping institutions and the assets. Spaces and places Facilities and equipment Purchasing power Employability Training Young people

Basic mapping example:

All the while…. Mapping and making the connections: Who are potential partners? (not yet connected) Where can partnerships be strengthened? 1-1 relationships and outputs

Example: Young people in our town We know they have much to contribute and gain We want to build mutually beneficial relationships (some)Young people assets: Time, Creativity, Connection to place, Big dreams, Relationships, Credibility as role models, Energy!

Potential partners: Young people Public Institutions Individuals Private sector Associations

Strengthening partnerships Schools Community learning, YP create walking tour, restore local landmark Young people Address local issue, eg energy drinks campaign, present with other youth groups Young people Associations Support consultation, young people go on to host a forum informing residents of opportunities in community. Local business Offer training, material and experience - skills into future workforce

1-1 relationships - connections, actions and outputs Eg 1: Young people are made part of decision making in commission of services. Young people can advise and shape priority of services - improving ownership and effectiveness. Eg 2: Local association develops energy drink awareness campaign with young people, supported by local media Young people offer peer-peer prevention, local media profile increases

In summary: Map assets - including those of strangers. Build relationships and connections. Mobilise assets and share information. Communicate the vision (and the plan!). Develop inside capacity first, to be ready to access and use outside resource.

Emma Richardson Senior Manager, Specialist Services - Poverty Lead emma.richardson@northumberland.gov.uk