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Case studies and think pieces from our Learning Network
These self-reported case studies from our learning network demonstrate the huge range of work that is being done to release potential and capacity within communities. Councils and other organisations are using a range of methods to encourage people to support each other and to enable disabled and older citizens to participate fully in community life.
The Department of Health has published a briefing on Building Community Capacity based on the learning from the project so far. Click here to read
Place shaping and commissioning
These case studies illustrate some new models of commissioning and place shaping which are beginning to emerge. These approaches tend to be corporate/multi agency and are focussed on broader wellbeing outcomes, supporting services and amenities that promote the building of individual capacity and social capital.
Work with individuals to build their social capital
The case studies in this section demonstrate a range of approaches aimed at building individuals' social capital through 1-2-1 working and co-production. In some instances, individuals' resources are linked together for a common purpose, and those of groups and community associations.
Grassroots developments
These case studies show a range of bottom-up initiatives that bring people together through mutual interest or to meet community needs. In some cases, local authorities and their partners have made conscious decisions to encourage and support this grassroots activity. In other cases the activity has emerged independently of the state.
Service development
This series of case studies shows how market shaping and development work with service providers is enabling specialist services to respond better to people's choices. They also include examples of work with universal and commercial services to enable greater use of and contribution to these services by users of adult social care.
Community development
Community development is not new but it is increasingly seen as an important element of delivering Putting People First. In particular, the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach - which starts with identifying what communities have rather than what they lack - is helping to increase capacity within communities to address their own needs. These case studies show a range of community development initiatives and how they are linking in with social care.
Think pieces - to stimulate thought and debate
These contributions to the debate around social capital and building community capacity are much welcomed. Some have been written for us, others are from other organisations and individuals working in the field which we believe are helpful.