It's easy as ABCD

摘要

Leeds has a long history of asset-based approaches, from investment in neighbourhood networks, to children's services adopting a restorative practice, to more latterly adult social care adopting a strengths-based approach to social work practice. This has been supported and championed by political and senior council leadership, to allow for asset-based working to integrate itself into the culture of the council.Supported by leadership and a desire to innovate and develop upon existing asset-based approaches across the council, the adults and health directorate established the ABCD model with three third sector organisations in 2017, expanding to 12 sites by 2019.The ABCD programme was part of the directorate's approach to prevention and early intervention, developed to support the delivery of Leeds City Council's health and wellbeing strategy, the revised Better Lives Strategy, and the Strength Based Social Care agenda which recognises that the communities we live in and the relationships we have are the primary source of our physical and mental wellbeing.As a council our vision is for everyone in Leeds, including those with care and support needs, to have the opportunity to contribute to, be valued by, and be involved with their communities and where they live. An asset-based approach is perfectly suited to realise this vision, empowering communities and individuals to recognise their assets, forge strong connections with one another and feel able to make the changes they want to see. We wanted to test our role as a council working in partnership with the third sector and the assets of local people, involving people in the changes they want to see through a whole community approach.