Ten Actions for an Asset-Based Area - Report

Action orientated report with examples of where councils and other organisations are taking practical steps to shift in the direction of an asset-based area.

TLAP’s first paper on the asset-based area made the case for adopting an asset-based approach to care and support. This new version (opens new window) is action oriented, with practical examples of councils, such as Leeds, City of York, Swindon, Kirklees and Hammersmith and Fulham, along with organisations including Choice Support and Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living that are taking practical steps to shift in the direction of an building asset-based communities.

The resource will interest people working in councils, those who run organisations that provide support, and people who draw on care and support, including organisations that represent their views and interests.

This report explores:

What is whole-system change and why do we need it?
What will we all do differently in an asset-based area?
First steps
Local areas putting the asset-based actions into practice

We hope that this report (opens new window), written by Alex Fox, succeeds in showing how it is possible to make tangible progress towards realising the vision of an asset-based area. Much discussion about the social care White Paper, Putting people at the heart of care, (December 2021) has been focused on how care is paid for, but it is also an opportunity to re-think what social care could look like: not just the role of public services and how they are paid for, but the huge potential for people themselves, their families and communities, to work together to create better lives and more inclusive and supportive communities.

Whilst the examples featured differ in form and scope, all of them demonstrate the imagination, commitment and resolve needed to make better places for and with people. This should inspire and inform others to make the change to asset-based areas or to continue and redouble the work they have already started.