In this project, the role of the ABCD community builder is linked to:
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Local Community Partnerships
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Community Hubs
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Leading on Action Groups, which are informed by Community Plans
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Visiting and connecting to local Community spaces.
ABCD community builders based at Croydon Voluntary Action, Clear Community Web and Old Lodge Baptist Church are a key part of the team behind Local Community Partnerships in the six 'locality' areas of Croydon three times a year.
Through the Local Community Partnership meetings, local stakeholders come together and form Community Plans.
The Community Plans are informed by the assets and gaps in the respective area.
Community Builders play a key role in driving the action groups forward.
Using the locally informed community plans, action groups are set up and are charged with addressing the priorities stated in the plans.
Community Builders visit and attend Community Hubs, meeting residents and learning about the local area and people. They advertise the Community Hubs in the local area, meeting and bringing people from the Community to the Hubs.
Community Builders have conversations with residents in a wide range of spaces.
These conversations can lead to the nurturing and support of passionate residents, also called 'Fire Souls', who seek to serve the local community as an active resident or a volunteer to act with and alongside the communities they are a part of.
The project is funded by the South West London NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB). As community is increasingly looked to as the collective agent of power and transformation when it comes to health inequalities and prevention, it recognises the importance of personal power to enhance change.
Supported by their ABCD community builders, entire communities are pivoting towards a better sense of health and wellbeing underpinned by a strong sense of belonging and connection to the gifts and assets already existing within their localities.
From resident-led hubs to open mic nights and park bathing green space and mindfulness initiatives, they have regularly come together to share community spaces and deliver activities that support change in their own communities.
For more information chloe.smith@cvalive.org.uk
