An asset-based approach is one that harnesses the skills, knowledge, connections and potential which already exist within communities. It is a way of thinking and doing that starts with strengths rather than problems.

Helping people to look at what they already have is the beginning of an asset based approach. Using these strengths communities are empowered to create stronger connections and build local capacity and expertise rather than relying on outside support.

An inspiring story of how an organisation has used local skills, knowledge, and resources using an asset-based approach to grow their project from inception to a very successful organisation is Gather Create Grow.

"Gather Create Grow" is a not-for-profit organisation based in Cosby. At its heart are co-founders Natalie and Mel, who initiated Cosby Crafters & Cosby Yarn Bomb in June 2019 with the goals of meeting new people, having fun, enjoying creative activities, and integrating into their community.

The organisation promotes wellbeing through creativity, leveraging craft and creative activities to support mental health and personal wellbeing. The project combats isolation by fostering social connections and reduce loneliness by creating welcoming community spaces. Natalie and Mel nurture community togetherness by strengthening community bonds and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. Activities include weekly craft groups, annual community events and outreach projects.

"Gather, Create, Grow " have been successful in the following areas:

• Personal Connection: The founders' personal experiences and motivations have deeply influenced the initiative's direction and success.
• Inclusivity: Ensuring activities are accessible and welcoming to all has been crucial in attracting diverse participation.
• Collaboration and Partnerships with local stakeholders have expanded the initiative's impact, demonstrating the value of collective effort in community development.

Follow Gather Create Grow on social media

Facebook CosbyCrafters

Instagram @CosbyYarnBomb

One of Natalie and Mel's artworks was chosen to be part of the last Grayson Perry art club exhibition at the MAC. Click here to see a film about the event.

Strengths and asset-based approaches focus on what individuals and communities have and how they can work together. Rather than on what they don't have or can't do. By working together towards shared outcomes everybody involved takes ownership. People involved have the power to influence their own communities which can lead to more meaningful results with greater local impact.

In its most basic form the process can be broken down into 4 simple steps.

Reframing the conversation. Instead of talking about issues or problems we start by focussing on what is working well and build from there to achieve our goals. For example if a local facility is closing down can you harness active community members to explore what you do have and how this can be developed.

Spend time making sense or exploring the goal with the people you are working with. Can you go about achieving the goal in another way?

By starting with what is strong in an area or community you can "map the assets" or collect all of the strengths that already exist. These can be skills, knowledge, passions, interests physical buildings or people or anything that can be accessed to support community development.

Think about what assets you have and what are needed.

By creating the space for connections to be made and solutions to be shared, people come together to use their strengths to achieve agreed outcomes. Local communities know their areas and residents better than services and are best placed to help shape and design their own solutions.

Make sure you have created the space for people to come together and share individual and group assets, their thoughts and actions.

Communities can make space for action through our Communities Network and Community Roadshows. Below is an example of how the network works in practice

Community Volunteering – How to get them involved and keep them involved was an online zoom session as part of our Community Network Series which took place on 1 February 2024

At the session community organisations residents and partners had the opportunity to learn from each other, share tips on how to keep volunteers, learn how to use and develop thier skills, and hear about the Community fridge initiative. Voluntary Action Leicestershire shared thier knowledge and tips on recruiting young volunteers.

This is where you come together to put your plans into action. There is not a ''one size fits all'' model because all communities are different. Depending on the strengths in your community it will take different approaches and paths but will always be based on the steps above.

Keep focussed on the main outcome you want to achieve, you may need to change the way you reach your end goal as you work with the assets available to you at the time.

A good example of volunteers working together is Churchgate Community Centre in Lutterworth

A number of Lutterworth based volunteers have worked tirelessly to completely renovate a community centre, located next to St Mary's Church in the town.

The Churchgate Community Centre is a building of historical significance, but over the years had become dilapidated. A group of volunteers have now seen the fruits of their efforts come to fruition, with the building now more modernised and fit for purpose for community use.

Volunteers and supporters managed to secure around £140,000 through fundraising activities, in order to bring the centre back to life. The fundraising included a contribution of £5,000 from Leicestershire County Council.

There are a number of ways in which you can see how asset based thinking has been developed or how you can practically deliver asset based solutions.

Communities Network sessions are online or face to face sessions aimed at providing information, support, and advice to Communities across Leicestershire on a range of themes and topics. Sessions are for organisations, businesses, or Leicestershire residents with an interest in their community. Below you can find more information on Communities Network sessions.

The Communities Network is a forum for Leicestershire communities to connect with each other about initiatives, projects, and activities which demonstrate local positive community action. We organise Communities Network sessions on various topics and themes.

Participants and presenters at each Communities Network session have the opportunity to share their skills, knowledge, expertise, and resources using the Asset Based Approach to connect and collaborate together on common topics and themes.

We also publish quarterly Communities Newsletters which are designed to give Communities a platform to access and share information and make connections to address community issues. The Communities Newsletter gives you an opportunity to showcase how you are working within your own community and learn best practice from elsewhere.

Community Roadshows provide a platform for community groups, residents and local businesses, to convene in person and explore the range of available groups and activities within their locality. These events aim to identify the aspirations, strengths and skills of both groups and individuals. Opportunities and connections are made which enhance local relations and embrace the principles of the Asset Based Approach.

Many Communities work in an asset based way already, using a Friendly Connected model to deliver their projects, actions and interests. Often they will not call themselves ''friendly' but, when asked, they will say they are 'friendly and supportive'. The Friendly Connected Communities recognises and acknowledges these communities and it is trying to help that recognition by facilitating the adoption of the model. It is still early, but by recognising communities and supporting the ones that want to develop asset based 'Friendly'' environments, we hope to contribute towards more cohesive, collaborative and resilient communities

Conversations With… is a new method of engaging residents and colleagues on small, informal, but focussed conversations.

The aim is to gain greater insight on how to improve, but also recognise Leicestershire communities work across the county. The conversations focus on a specific project or activity, bringing closer to the residents of Leicestershire the rich variety of projects and initiatives that bring people closer together, but also that can help to improve local services and resilience.

During 2023 there were a variety of conversations that touched a wide number of topics, including learning about how a parish council works and what they do, to volunteering or how the Friendly Connected Community initiative has helped to improve relations at the Marlene Reid Centre, deploying innovative actions that brought closer community ties.

Conversations with... is sharing knowledge and expertise, mutual learning and gaining insights into the life of Leicestershire. We want to generate healthy debate about how communities can better utilise existing resources and how Leicestershire County Council can learn and apply that learning to support the communities that shape the geography of Leicestershire.

Here are some more information and resources

THiNK FC work with the community on things that matter to them, thier families and friends. They work alongside people in communities to connect and share ideas to recognise and value the strengths and qualities within the community. They have a lot of useful tools and resources which you will find useful.

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) offer a wide range of tailored and flexible support to improve the lives of people. Knowledge and evidence of what works in social care and social work is used to make a difference in peoples lives.

Think Local Act Personal is a national partnership committed to transforming health and care. Partnerships include central and local government, social care providers, NHS, and Voluntary and Community Sector. The support provided has included helping communities to help themselves, providing information and advice and connecting the workforce as well as supporting organisations involved in health and social care. They have also produced a lot of resources around community centred approaches.

Nurture Development is one of eleven strategic partners of ABCD Institute. They support local communities to connect identify and use thier skills knowledge and resources in neighbourhoods to benefit the whole community. They offer training, learning and development opportunities. They support advice and support.

For more information about the work of the Communities Team and how we can support asset based work in your area please contact us