Asset Based Community Development Training (2 Days)

• Shift focus from “what’s wrong” to “what’s strong” in communities
• Build confidence to identify and connect local skills, groups and resources
• Engage communities more effectively and foster long-lasting relationships
• Design projects that create real social impact and resilience
  
  

What is ABCD?
Asset Based Community Development is a proven approach to community engagement that focuses on identifying and building on the strengths, skills and resources that already exist within communities, rather than starting from perceived needs or deficits. It’s a shift from “What’s the problem?” to “What’s strong and how can we build on it?”

Why it matters for organisations

For businesses, public sector teams and voluntary sector organisations, ABCD training provides a practical framework to:

• Strengthen community relationships – Build trust and partnerships with local people, which leads to more sustainable and accepted initiatives.
• Increase impact and reduce duplication – By mapping and connecting existing community assets, organisations can make better use of what’s already there, leading to more efficient service delivery.
• Empower local communities – Encouraging residents to take an active role leads to longer-lasting change, reduced dependency on external services and improved wellbeing outcomes.
• Enhance organisational reputation – Businesses and services seen as enablers and partners, not just providers, build stronger local support and legitimacy.
• Maximise value for money – Investing in ABCD skills can reduce costs over time by leveraging existing community capacity rather than relying solely on top-down delivery.

What the training covers

This 2-day practical training, delivered by the team at Devon Communities Together, equips participants with the knowledge and tools to apply ABCD principles in real-world settings. Key areas include:

Core Principles of ABCD

• Understanding the shift from needs-based to strengths-based approaches
• Recognising the assets within communities (skills, networks, spaces, associations, individuals)

Community Mapping & Engagement Tools

• Identifying and connecting local assets
• Practical techniques for relationship building and conversation-based engagement

Facilitating Local Action

• Supporting communities to take the lead on their own priorities
• Creating the conditions for sustainable, resident-led initiatives

Partnership Working & Organisational Alignment

• Integrating ABCD approaches within existing organisational strategies and services
• Collaborating with other agencies to avoid overlap and build collective impact

Measuring Impact

• Evaluating the social value and outcomes of ABCD approaches
• Evidencing change in ways meaningful to funders, partners and communities

Participants will leave this workshop knowing what ABCD is, methods and approaches when working in an asset-based way, how to plan a project with ABCD methods and putting it into practice. You will be provided with tools, information and resources to use during and after the 2-day training session.

Please bring your own lunch but refreshments will be provided.

This training is an in person, 2-day training course held at the Devon Communities Together offices – 1 Northleigh House, Thorverton Road, Exeter EX2 8HF.

Please note that a minimum of 6 attendees are required in order for this training to go ahead.

Also check out other Workshops in Exeter.