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A new review detailing the impact of a pioneering asset-based community development programme in Leeds over a six-year period, has been published this month.<\/p>\n
Featuring in the \u2018A review of ABCD in Leeds pathfinder sites (2019 -2025) A six-year journey from seeds to trees\u2019, are the experiences of key stakeholders at six \u2018Pathfinder\u2019 sites across Leeds \u2013 three based in South Leeds \u2013 who have worked with the community to develop an ABCD approach.<\/p>\n
The review also includes details of the positive impacts experienced by residents who have been part of the approach, and the positive ripple effect which ABCD projects have provided for the communities in which they live.<\/p>\n
The six Pathfinder sites featured in the year six review included:<\/p>\n
Since 2013, the ABCD in Leeds programme has played an important role in working with local people to lead on and make the changes they wish to see in the communities where they live.<\/p>\n
The ABCD model is based on focusing on what is strong in an area, working with people, building on social connections, and unlocking potential. People feel empowered to share their skills, knowledge, gifts, and ideas with each other, which in turn has encouraged different types of social-led action.<\/p>\n
To support the findings of the review, which was led by Leeds City Council\u2019s ABCD in Leeds team, case studies showcasing the positive impacts of working in this way, are also detailed.<\/p>\n
Case studies include the\u00a0 journey of Samina, who joined the Friends of Trentham Park group to help reinvigorate a neglected green space in Beeston Hill. Over time she took more of a leadership role, which went beyond just organising things. She built strong relationships with other community members, Council staff and local organisations. Her involvement opened doors to new experiences, like family outings, art projects and local events which benefitted both her and her children.<\/p>\n
Also featuring is Irene, whose St Barnabus Soup Kitchen, assisted by a Small Sparks grant and based in Burmantofts, now serves between 40 to 70 people weekly and has become a hub for new friendships, and transformation. As part of its growth, the initiative is helping to tackle social issues such as isolation, and also includes signposting to different services, assistance to fill in forms and access to food bank provisions through partnerships with different local organisations such as Touchstone.<\/p>\n
A previous report in 2021 calculated that for every \u00a31 invested in ABCD it returned up to \u00a314 in social value. A revised assessment of the \u2018Social Return on Investment\u2019 (SROI) study conducted by Leeds Beckett University as part of the review found that for every \u00a31 invested in ABCD, it returned \u00a336.90 in social value within the local communities served by the Pathfinder sites.<\/p>\n
The key findings of the review were as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n To read the review, please see: ABCD Year Six Review<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n To find out more about ABCD in Leeds, please see: www.abcdinleeds.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council\u2019s\u00a0executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture, said:<\/p>\n \u201cI very much welcome the publication of our ABCD Pathfinder Review 2025, which provides a detailed and interesting analysis of how ABCD in Leeds projects were delivered in our communities and what they achieved over a six-year cycle from 2019 to summer 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cTo inform the review we engaged with and listened closely to the views of everyone who have played such an important part in our ABCD in Leeds Year Six Pathfinder sites. The review also provides details on the positive impacts which has been made to the lives of residents through different case studies, whilst analysis is also provided by our partners at Leeds Beckett University on the significant social return which ABCD in Leeds projects has provided.<\/p>\n \u201cThe findings of the review are extremely interesting and really do highlight the difference asset-based approaches can have on the lives of residents and communities. Everything we have learned will help inform and shape how we deliver ABCD in Leeds in the future, and on a final note, I would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and contributed to the review.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Professor Anne-Marie Bagnall, Director, Centre for Health Promotion Research, Leeds Beckett University said:<\/p>\n \u201cThe Centre for Health Promotion Research at Leeds Beckett University have been delighted to be involved with the evaluation of the Leeds ABCD programme over the last six years.<\/p>\n \u201cAsset Based Community Development is a powerful community-centred approach that fosters social connections, and empowers people to discover their own capabilities, and improve their health and wellbeing. It has been really inspiring to see this initiative grow over the years \u2013 as evidenced by our updated analysis of a \u00a336.90 social return on investment (SROI) for the longest established site \u2013 meaning that every \u00a31 invested now produces almost \u00a337 worth of social value for people living in Leeds.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n
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