Asset Based Approaches to Community Development Award Winner

Community Links (Lancashire)
Rossendale Enterprise Anchor Limited (REAL)

REAL (Rossendale Enterprise Anchor Limited) is an exemplary model of asset based approaches in community development. REAL works with and for the communities of the Rossendale Valley by supporting and increasing the capacity of the voluntary, community and faith sectors (VCFS), by further developing partnerships within public and private sectors in order to help make Rossendale a better place to live, work and visit. The trustees are all social entrepreneurs who are passionate about the area. Founding member Dorothy Mitchell says there are a number of aspects of REAL work which adds to the community impact:

Community Links is a highly accessible, central repository of resources to promote wellbeing which highlights the role of social prescribing opportunity (non-medical interventions). It uses ‘fun, food and friendship with a health benefit’ to support ‘doing things which can become a good habit’. Encompassing over 400 organisations it provides ‘simple cost effective solutions’ which improve wellbeing and drive up community resilience.

REAL Involvement helps groups and individuals take part in their community. This includes practical information sessions, share and tell events, a weekly news bulletin, befriending services and a community minibus. The team supports consultation processes so that the people in Rossendale have a voice in what happens to them. They help start up groups, find funds and share information. They advise small groups wanting to start up social enterprises or to form a charity. REAL Involvement is run by older people voluntarily sharing their learning experience to help Rossendale thrive.

Nominated by Dorothy Mitchell

Joint Asset Based Community Development Runners Up

Hyde Community Action – Women Supporting Women

Court Thorn Surgery PPG – Transforming Lives through Community Health Seminars.

This Award was sponsored by VSNW.