1. Compassionate Communities Network 8 October 2018 A community development approach

2. The context for community development What it is – and what it isn’t
What kinds of outcomes community development supports
How do we do it?
Some methods and examples
Some things to think about
Moving from project focus to ‘this is the way we do things’ 2

3. Why are we talking about this?
Ageing demographic, equalities issues
This is a ‘social’ issue
Communities/social networks have changed
Public services have (arguably) become ‘fixers’
Austerity 3

4. Community development is…
a process which turns private issues into public concerns
a purposeful process designed to help people organise themselves to achieve their collective ambitions, and to respond to problems and needs which they share 
about facilitating community and public agencies to work together to improve the quality of peoples’ lives
concerned with addressing issues of social injustice
about giving people agency in their own lives – and deaths 4

5. Community development outcomes
Increased participation
Self determination
Empowerment, self worth
Improved social networks
Understanding and appreciation of diverse needs and contributions
Solutions tailored to community need – often creative, usually less costly 5

6. Community development – everybody’s business
Strength is its contribution across public policy spectrum
Weakness - ‘everybody’s business and nobody’s responsibility’
Community has become a ‘spray on term’
… who are the community developers? 6

7. Changes through the years
Social strategy of the 80s…
CD now happening in different places
Development of a recognisable community sector
Starting to be seen again as part of the role of some public sector staff
How do we do it….? 7

8. Changes through the years
Social strategy of the 80s…
CD now happening in different places
Development of a recognisable community sector
Starting to be seen again as part of the role of some public sector staff
How do we do it….? 8

9. Building community, building social connections – telephone tree
Examples
Building community, building social connections – telephone tree
Building capacity through knowledge – community led research
Building influence – supporting good quality engagement and dialogue with decision makers 9

13. What might motivate ‘the community’ to get involved?
Starting blocks…
Who has defined the need?
Who is the community?
What might motivate ‘the community’ to get involved?
What capacity do they have?
What opportunities can we provide? 13

14. Starting blocks, continued…
Define your role, or that of your organisation
Who is already working in that community?
How will you ensure inclusivity?
Have you got resources to support community participation?
What is your exit plan? 14

15. Making it last Avoid projects and pilots
We need long term investment and change in the culture
Community development relies on collaboration - and some diversion of public funds
We need trust – between agencies, between agencies and communities, and between communities
Get ready for the long game 15