The document discusses an asset-based approach to community development and health policy. It argues that policy and practice tend to focus more on deficiencies and problems rather than strengths and capacities. An asset-based approach seeks to uncover the skills, talents, and resources within communities and leverage these assets to promote well-being and development from the ground up. Key aspects include mapping community assets, building local visions and plans, and mobilizing networks to address issues in a sustainable manner.

1. Good Health: A Glass half full! Cormac Russell Asset Based Community Development Institute

2. people focused their attention on…. What can be done instead of what can’t be done rather than problems more than weaknesses What might be possible if

3. In the real world there are both strengths and needs So where is most practice focused? Where is most policy focused?

4. The dilemma . . . Individuals and Communities have deficiencies & needs Individuals and Communities have skills and talents

5. Everyone should have the opportunity to be a producer of their own and their community’s well-being It takes everyone to build a strong and safe community .

6. Policy objectives on health inequities Give every child the best start before school age Give all the chance to develop skills and opportunities to control their life chances Create fair employment and decent work for all Ensure healthy standard of living for all Create sustainable communities and places that foster health and well-being Strengthen the role and impact of prevention Source: Marmot Review: Second Interim Report - 30 September 2009

7. Neighbourhood needs map Graffiti Environmental pollution Unemployment Gangs Literacy challenges Early School Leaving Broken Families Poor Housing Joy riding Drug Dealing Crime Disability

8. Neighbourhood assets map

9. The three key arenas for uncovering community assets People Formal Institutions Community Associations

10. Features of asset-based work Collecting stories/Appreciative Inquiry Organising a core group Mapping the capacities and assets of individuals, associations and local institutions Building a community vision and plan Mobilising and linking assets for economic development Leveraging activities, investments and resources from outside the community

11. Social inclusion? Where it matters? Participation Friendship Intimacy Economic Exchange

12. Full circles indicate capacity to deal with life and are a powerful measure of health in our society.

13. Spot the difference?

14. Traditional approach

15. 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

16. In the final analysis Community Assets Determine Our Health; that’s why we’re better together…