Reducing Inequalities is a key objective of the Norwich 2040 vision for a ‘fair city’. Norwich City Council (NCC) is committed to improving life outcomes for those in areas of Norwich where life outcomes are poorest. NCC has identified 7 Reducing Inequality Target Areas (RITAs) to focus available funding and enabling work.

The data used to create the RITAs highlighted statistically that disadvantaged people would be more likely to experience living in these areas. However high level data does not provide insight into the solution, for that we need to better understand the area – not only its needs but also its assets from which we can build.

Since 2016 the Community Enabling team has worked within NCC to champion an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to building citizen participation. Core to this approach is better understanding:

1. What is it that residents in communities are best placed to do together?

2. What is it that residents can best do, with some outside help?

3. What is it that communities need outside agencies to do for them?

In the Community Enabling team we invite conversations in neighbourhoods that seek to make more visible people’s skills, gifts and passions. We build a picture of the assets that relate to community, what makes a positive difference to people’s quality of life, as well as hearing about what isn’t going well. Conversations uncover problems whilst uncovering elements available in the community to fix them. Where residents need outside agencies we step in.

There is an ambition to share insights gained through this project with wider VCSE, and in creative forms with interested local residents.