--- title: Asset Based Community Development date: 2026-07-27T18:00:00+01:00 author: Mani Bae canonical_url: "https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/abcd-guide" section: Pages --- --- # Asset Based Community Development Find out more about an asset based approach to community development. ![A woman and man painting a palette in yellow and red paint](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_1008x567_crop_center-center_82_none/WJ-CUF-240626-63.jpg?v=1787219567) - Written for church groups Asset based community development is a call to a mindset shift; finding the treasure in our local neighbourhoods in ways that can nurture flourishing communities. This guide is for groups or individuals who want to explore Asset Based Community Development and think about how to put its principles into practice in their lives, communities and churches. ### What’s inside This guide has eight short sections, each with something to read followed by a question for reflection or discussion. - Reflect on the wisdom and direction that can be found by listening to those around us. - Consider how poverty is a web of interconnected challenges and how these impact people in your area. - Explore the different ways in which we might see the local church’s relationship with its neighbours. - Identify the resources and gifts in your community. - Step into the places where people encounter each other. - Discover the different characters who create connections and life in your community. - Start to tell a different story about the place where you live. ### A guide to exploring asset based community development [ An introduction to Asset Based Community Development (opens in a new tab) PDF 3.3 MB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/CURRENT-CUF_ABCD_Nov_2025_Interactive_2.pdf?v=1786453351) [ Printable activity sheet PDF 6.2 MB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/7_Ingredients_Activity_Sheet.pdf?v=1786448962) ### Films about Asset Based Community Development What is Asset Based Community Development? Revd Al Barrett explains how ABCD requires a mindset shift that treats communities and individuals as gifts and assets rather than as problems. Why Asset Based Community Development focuses on connection Community connectors, Tiffany and Clare explain why building relationships, listening, and getting to know our neighbours is essential to an ABCD approach. How does Asset Based Community Development help in tough times? Paul explains how ABCD encourages communities to recognise and build on the strengths, skills, and assets that already exist among local people to address challenges together. Using ABCD with young people Youth worker, Dan, describes how an ABCD approach has transformed the way he works with young people. An asset based response to need Andy from mental health charity, Space to Breathe, talks about how an ABCD approach can develop people’s agency whilst responding to needs. Asset Based Community Development Evaluation Social researcher, Jane, shares her experience and tips for evaluating ABCD projects. Why voice matters in Asset Based Community Development Professional coach and facilitator, Steph Vidal-Hall, explains how enabling everyone to find their voice is key to participation and creating new ways of doing things. ## More resources Explore more tools for getting to know your community and consider the resources and assets that already exist in our local area. - ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/WJ-030325-115.jpg?v=1786461774) ### [Neighbourhood mapping guide](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/neighbourhood-mapping) Mapping your neighbourhood can help build your knowledge and understanding of the local area and the priorities you would like to explore. - ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/WJ-CUF-150526-175.jpg?v=1786446626) ### [What matters enough for me to do something about it?](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/what-matters-enough-for-me-to-do-something-about-it) Responses at the end of a day exploring Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)