The theory• assets-based approaches value the capacity, skills, knowledge,

connections and potential in individuals and communities

• Focusing on strengths does not mean ignoring challenges, or spinning struggles into strengths.

• Asset based approaches complement, rather than replace, services and other activities intended to reduce inequalities in life chances and life circumstances.

• Practitioners working in this way have to work in collaboration - helping people to do things for themselves. In this way, people can become co-producers of support, not passive consumers of support.

Principles of asset-based approaches- Goal orientation- Strengths assessment- Resources from the environment- Relationship is hope inducing- Meaningful choice

The evidenceAsset-based approaches contribute to mental wellbeing by:•strengthening opportunities for people and communities to shape their own lives, for example with personalisation and self-directed support, co-production, expert patient and recovery-oriented practice

•supporting ‘whole person’ approaches which address health and other needs in the context of people’s lives

•acting on ‘nothing about us without us’ and reminding statutory authorities of the ‘duty to involve’.

Assets vs Deficits

Assets thinking-Strengths based-How can we create community spirit?-What can I do?-We’re all in this together-We’re getting there-Work with engaged people-People have the answers-People control their lives

Deficit thinking-Problem orientated-How to fix this problem?-Someone needs to sort this-Us versus them-Problems are embedded-Do things to people -People are a problem-People can’t be trusted to decide/be in control

Methods of identifying assets- Asset mapping- Participatory appraisal- Appreciative enquiry

Methods of mobilising assets

- Asset Based Community Development- Time banking- Co-production

Thoughts from practitioners

Questions