How community anchors contribute to community development

Community anchors and community development

This research shows how different community anchors interpret what is meant by community development and translate this into practice. We want to inform policy and influence performance by sharing the work of bassac members.

Stage 1: A literature review of secondary sources explored the research evidence and reviews of community development practice in community anchors already available.

• Effective Community Development Approaches of Community Anchors: Literature review, IVAR, Dec 2008

Stage 2: Data collection of case studies highlighted distinct approaches and aimed to better understand any issues of recognition, resourcing and to influence practice.

• Including young people in the community - East Northumberland Regeneration Initiative (ENRgI)
• Promoting community cohesion through community development - Highfields Community Association, Leicester
• A county-wide network to support community development activity - Penwith Community Development Trust and Inter-link Cornwall
• A human rights-based approach to community development - Praxis in east London
• Spreading the word about elder abuse across Tower Hamlets - Toynbee Hall Dignify project
• Long-term involvement with all parts of the community - Burley Lodge, Leeds
• Resolving tensions and building up trust: Community Facilitators project - Birmingham Settlement

Find out more about the community facilitators project from our photogallery of images.

The research was carried out by bassac between October 2008 and March 2009, on behalf of the Community Alliance (funded by the Office of the Third Sector).