Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) - 2 day practical workshop

ABCD is a proven community engagement tool. Learn the ABCD methodology, approaches and how to plan a project the ABCD way

Are you working with communities and want to create real, lasting impact—but aren’t sure where to start?

Have you heard of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) but don’t fully know what it means? Or are you already doing community work and want better tools to engage people and build stronger, more resilient communities?

This practical, interactive 2-day training will give you the confidence, tools and approaches to do just that.

What is ABCD—and why does it matter?

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is a powerful, proven approach that focuses on what’s strong in a community, not just what’s wrong.

Instead of starting with problems and needs, ABCD helps you:

• Identify the skills, knowledge and strengths already in a community
• Connect people, groups and local resources
• Support communities to lead their own change

For organisations, this means:

• Stronger, more meaningful relationships with communities
• More sustainable and impactful projects
• Better use of existing resources (saving time and money)
• Empowered communities with lasting outcomes

If you want to move beyond top-down delivery and towards genuine community-led change, ABCD is an essential approach.

What you’ll gain from this training

By the end of the 2 days, you will:

• Clearly understand what ABCD is and how it works
• Feel confident applying asset-based approaches in real-life settings
• Know how to plan and design projects using ABCD principles
• Have practical tools to engage communities effectively
• Be ready to put your learning into practice immediately

You’ll also receive a range of resources, tools and materials to support your work beyond the training.

What the training covers

This interactive workshop, delivered by experienced practitioners at Devon Communities Together, includes:

Core Principles of ABCD

• Moving from needs-based to strengths-based thinking
• Understanding community assets: people, networks, spaces and skills

Community Mapping & Engagement

• Identifying and connecting local assets
• Practical, conversation-based engagement techniques

Facilitating Community-Led Action

• Supporting residents to take the lead
• Building sustainable, locally driven initiatives

Partnership Working

• Embedding ABCD into your organisation
• Working collaboratively to maximise impact and avoid duplication

Measuring Impact

• Demonstrating social value
• Evidencing outcomes for funders and stakeholders

Why people love this training

Our recent participants told us:

• 70% found the content highly relevant to their work
• 80%+ said they could apply their learning straight away
• 50+% strongly agreed the course exceeded expectations

“I've come away feeling inspired and more confident. I can't wait to use these tools and skills.”

“Thought-provoking, practical and full of tools I can use in my work and with families.”

Who is this for?

This training is ideal if you:

• Work in the voluntary, community or public sector
• Are involved in community engagement, development or outreach
• Want practical ways to help communities thrive and become more resilient
• Are looking to design more effective, sustainable projects

Even if you’re new to ABCD, this course will give you everything you need to get started.

Prices for this course (including Eventbrite booking fee)

• £146.96: Members of Devon Communities Together *

• £166.46: Charities, Community Groups or Parish and Town Councils that are not members of Devon Communities Together

• £195.72: Public Sector organisations

• £215.22: Commercial organisations 
  

*The heavily discounted membership price on many of our training courses is one of a number of benefits provided to members of Devon Communities Together. With annual membership starting from just £24 for individuals and small organisations and up to £50 for larger organisations, taking out a membership can be a great way to save money on your training needs.

Please note that a minimum of 6 attendees are required in order for this training to go ahead.

Refreshments are provided but please bring your own lunch