The case for change: working with communities

Working with communities can be rewarding, sustainable and beneficial for everyone.

Projects and activities have huge potential to support community well-being.

They can also help join up gaps in society and community services.

There are lots of ways to help communities use their knowledge, skills, relationships and support networks in practical and positive ways.

Public bodies and support organisations assess and ask communities what they need. But evidence shows they don’t usually explore or understand what communities need to help make this happen.

These organisations don’t always recognise how communities can be effective partners.

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 makes public services and partners responsible for developing services that prioritise individual well-being. This is so individuals can live independently in their own communities.

Public services and partners need to work with the community, and use its strengths to help create services and activities that help individuals thrive without targeted services.

This framework explains how to build, work with and talk with communities.