The ABCD Programme in Leeds has spectacularly transformed communities over six years, weaving strong social bonds and empowering local residents. For every £1 invested, a staggering £36.90 of social value is generated, fostering improved health and wellbeing, and sparking incredible grassroots initiatives across the city.
What impact has the ABCD programme had on Leeds communities over six years?
The ABCD programme in Leeds has transformed communities by harnessing local strengths, fostering social connections, and empowering residents. Over six years, it achieved a remarkable social return on investment – £36.90 for every £1 – improved health and wellbeing, inspired grassroots initiatives, and strengthened social infrastructure.
An Overview of the ABCD Programme and Its Pathfinders
The Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) programme in Leeds has marked a significant shift in the way community support and development are approached. Since its inception in 2013, the ABCD model has focused on harnessing local strengths, nurturing social connections, and empowering residents to lead initiatives within their neighbourhoods. This approach is grounded in the belief that communities have inherent assets, skills, and capabilities that, when mobilized, lead to sustainable and positive change. The ABCD initiative operates under the philosophy of building from the inside out, rather than imposing solutions from outside agencies.
A recently published review titled “A review of ABCD in Leeds pathfinder sites (2019-2025) A six-year journey from seeds to trees” highlights the transformative journey of six “Pathfinder” sites in Leeds over a six-year span. The selected sites – Better Action for Families (BAFF), Horsforth Community Assets Project (HCAP), LS14 Trust, Older People’s Action in the Locality (OPAL), St Luke’s Cares, and Touchstone – serve as exemplary models of how the ABCD framework can be woven into the fabric of diverse communities. Each Pathfinder site has embarked on a unique journey, reflecting the values, needs, and aspirations of its local residents.
The review was steered by Leeds City Council’s ABCD in Leeds team, in partnership with stakeholders, community members, and organizations. Through interviews, case studies, and social impact assessments, the six-year review documents not only statistical outcomes, but also the lived experiences of those engaged with the ABCD process. It emphasizes collaborative learning, local leadership, and the ripple effects that community-led action can generate across the city.
Real-World Impacts: Voices and Case Studies
The ABCD review is enriched with a collection of compelling case studies illustrating the practical effects of this innovative model. Each story spotlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Leeds’ residents, as well as the practical effectiveness of small-scale, seed-funded initiatives – known as “Small Sparks” grants. These microgrants are designed to kindle grassroots projects that might otherwise struggle to find footing.
One standout example is the journey of Caroline, who harnessed a Small Sparks grant to establish the Horsforth Repair Cafe. More than a workshop where locals bring items for repair, the cafe has blossomed into a vibrant community space. Here, professional fixers, hobbyists, and neighbours mingle over coffee, exchange skills, and build new relationships. The ripple of Caroline’s success has led to the opening of similar cafes in other communities, demonstrating the contagious potential of the ABCD model.
Another powerful story is that of Irene, whose St Barnabus Soup Kitchen in Burmantofts, supported by a Small Sparks grant, now welcomes between 40 and 70 individuals weekly. It has evolved into a lifeline for those facing social isolation, providing not just warm meals but also access to essential services – such as help with forms, referrals to food banks, and connections to local organizations like Touchstone. As Irene attests, “It’s not just about serving soup. It’s about building friendships and helping each other find a way forward.”
Key Outcomes and Measured Success
One of the most striking elements of the ABCD programme’s review lies in its quantified social value. In 2021, a report calculated that for every £1 invested in the ABCD programme, £14 was returned in social value – a testament to the efficacy of this approach. The latest assessment, conducted by Leeds Beckett University, reveals a dramatic increase, with every £1 invested now generating £36.90 in social value at the Pathfinder sites. This leap highlights ABCD’s capacity to foster cost-effective community support and prevention strategies, as well as strengthen the social infrastructure essential for long-term wellbeing.
The review highlighted several core findings:
- ABCD Pathfinder sites have been catalysts for improved health and wellbeing, enhanced social action, and the unlocking of local assets.
- Meaningful connections among diverse community members have flourished, engendering pride, ownership, and fulfillment.
- The initiatives have inspired residents to take on community assets, foster skills-based learning, and create new community-driven projects – including Community Interest Companies and intergenerational activities.
- The cost-effectiveness of the programme is evident in the remarkable Social Return on Investment (SROI) figures: £36.90 for every £1 invested.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture, commented: “The review provides a detailed and interesting analysis of how ABCD in Leeds projects were delivered in our communities and what they achieved over a six-year cycle from 2019 to summer 2025.” She goes on to highlight the collaborative listening at the heart of the review process, recognizing the invaluable input from diverse voices across Leeds.
Building Sustainable Connections and Infrastructure
The ABCD approach in Leeds has been particularly impactful in embedding lasting, meaningful connections among residents across different backgrounds. Through asset-mapping and social-led action, the programme breaks down barriers and encourages collective ownership of both problems and solutions. Initiatives born out of this methodology often expand organically, as groups and individuals gain confidence in their ability to make a difference.
Programming at Pathfinder sites frequently transcends its original mandate. Projects started as support groups or skill-sharing sessions have matured into larger enterprises, including Community Interest Companies (CICs) and intergenerational collaborations. These projects not only oppose social isolation but also invigorate local economies and provide platforms for sharing skills, which can lead to long-term employment and educational opportunities. The result is a more resilient, interconnected community structure, laying the groundwork for sustained improvement in health, wealth, and collective wellbeing.
Professor Anne-Marie Bagnall, Director at the Centre for Health Promotion Research, Leeds Beckett University, remarked: “Asset Based Community Development is a powerful community-centred approach that fosters social connections, and empowers people to discover their own capabilities, and improve their health and wellbeing.” As the evaluation data shows, this empowerment translates tangibly into the growth of social capital and measurable economic value for the city and its residents.
For further details, the full review can be accessed here: ABCD Year Six Review. To explore more about the ongoing work of the ABCD programme in Leeds, visit www.abcdinleeds.com.
- The ABCD Programme in Leeds has transformed communities over six years by fostering social bonds and empowering local residents.
- For every £1 invested in the program, a significant social value of £36.90 is generated, contributing to improved health and wellbeing.
- The program operates on an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, focusing on harnessing local strengths and empowering residents from within communities.
- “Small Sparks” grants are microgrants that have successfully kindled grassroots projects, such as the Horsforth Repair Cafe and St Barnabus Soup Kitchen.
- The program’s cost-effectiveness is highlighted by its Social Return on Investment (SROI) figures, showing a dramatic increase in social value generation over time.