This is the story of how Thornton Heath is using ABCD to building a stronger more connected community using people power. This process was commissioned by Croydon NHS, and Croydon Local Government, they commissioned Croydon Voluntary Action and Nurture Development. The most exciting feature of this work is the citizen-led action that is driving the process. 20 connectors (local residents) have been having hundreds of conversations with their neighbours about what they have locally and how they can use what they have to secure what they need.

1. ABCD in Thornton Heath Cormac Russell, Director of ABCD Europe & Faculty member of ABCD Institute

2. Is the glass is half full or half empty? The answer is ‘Yes’!

3. ‘ You can’t know what you need, till you know what you have…’

4. Discovering hidden Treasures

5. Thornton Heath Developing an Asset Based Community Development Approach Croydon LA, Croydon NHS and Croydon Voluntary Action are working with Nurture Development to develop the ABCD approach in Thornton Heath, 6 months on, here’s the story so far…..

6. Why have a meeting when you can have a party?

7. Festival Day in Thornton Heath-Sept 18, 2011

8. And on the day people were invited to share their gifts….

9. This is Shirley with her neighbour...Shirley is a neighbourhood connector

10. They had already knocked on doors, and heard peoples stories like Mr and Mrs Ahmed…..

11. Paul Macey who is a wonderful Community Builder, and is facilitating the process on behalf of Croydon Voluntary Action and Croydon NHS sat with Peggy and heard her story….

12. And Peggy and Mr & Mrs Ahmed were connected

13. The connectors have experienced the power of connecting people…

15. And they have been mapping local associations too….

16. And seeing the huge potential for connecting these assets also….

17. And the older people will have plenty to teach the kids as well…

18. Bingo!!!!

28. And they stayed for the vision….

29. News flash: the streets of Thornton Heath were filled today with young people (and the young at heart) making fun…and Community

31. Classic Needs maps Racial tension/hate crimes High crime rates. Significant fear among older people High levels of ADHD Smoking related Heart disease Respiratory difficulties Obesity across The life course High levels of drug and Alcohol use. High unemployment Poor educational attainment Poor housing/environmental issues High morbidity Anti social behaviour Gender inequality

34. Community Asset Map-Thornton Heath Individuals Gifts, Skills, Capacities, Knowledge and Traits of Youth Older Adults Artists People with Disabilities Students Parents Entrepreneurs Activists Institutions Schools Universities Community Colleges Police Departments Hospitals Libraries Social Service Agencies Non Profits Museums Fire Departments Foundations Physical Space Gardens Parks Playgrounds Parking Lots Walking Paths Forests/Forest Preserves Picnic Areas Campsites Fishing Spots Stories Of background and personal history Of what you like to do and contribute Of existing and ongoing skills and capacities Of successful community development Of economic growth Of addressing discrimination Of including those who are marginalized Of recognizing the value of everyone Of a time when you or your group felt appreciated and valued Of a time the community was at its best Local Economy For-Profit Businesses Consumer Expenditures Merchants Chamber of Commerce Business Associations Banks Foundations Institutional-Purchasing Power and Personnel Micro enterprises Local Coops Corporations and Branches Animal Care Groups Anti Crime Groups Residents Assoc Business Organizations Charitable Groups Civic Events Groups Cultural Groups Education Groups Elderly Groups Environmental Groups Family Support Groups Health Advocacy and Fitness Groups Heritage Groups Hobby and Collectors Groups Men’s Groups Mentoring Groups Mutual Support Groups Neighborhood Improvement Groups Political Organizations Recreation Groups Religious Groups Service Clubs Social Groups Union Groups Women’s Groups Youth Groups Associations My Community Our Community

35. Doing work the old way

36. SBA: processes with ownership

37. Person Centered Work The move is from services to clients to supports for citizens Community Centered Work Inclusion

39. Fundamental Needs Security Autonomy Belonging Competence ? Emotional & Material Agency. Independence. Sense of efficacy in the world. Plus authenticity Community, Family & Friends, as giver & receiver Ability to sustain tasks of choosing, to contribute. Security Belonging Competence Autonomy Russell, C (2010)

40. A new policy anyone? People are the Answer Programmes are the Answer Develop Potential ‘ Fix People’ See People as Citizens and Co-producers See People as Clients Development Maintenance Focus on communities/neighbourhoods Focus on Individuals Emphasis on Associations High Emphasis on Agencies Fewer Services More Services Grants, Loans, Investments, Leverage Grants to Agencies Investment Orientation Charity Orientation Opportunity Identification Problem Response Focus on Assets Focus on Deficiencies Why not also have a model that… Present Policy

41. Asset-based Community Development Methodology Discovering Strengths Organizing & Mapping Linking and Mobilizing Community Driven Initiatives Sustaining the Process