Leeds Community Homes is pleased to announce that we have been selected to work in partnership with Unity Housing Association as one of Leeds City Council’s two new ABCD Pathfinder sites in Chapeltown. This is an exciting opportunity for the neighbourhood and our ongoing commitment to community‑led development.
The council’s Asset‑Based Community Development (ABCD) programme focuses on strengthening what already exists within communities — the skills, passions, relationships, and local knowledge that help neighbourhoods thrive.
Since 2013, ABCD Pathfinders have supported community‑led initiatives across Leeds, including gardening groups, choirs, cooking clubs, wellbeing activities, and creative projects. The recent review of the programme highlighted its significant impact, showing that every £1 invested generates £36.90 in social value, demonstrating the power of community‑driven action.
What this means for Chapeltown
Working in partnership with Unity, we will support Chapeltown residents to:
- Identify and celebrate the neighbourhood’s existing strengths
- Build new connections and deepen existing ones
- Create welcoming spaces for people to come together
- Support local ideas to grow into sustainable community‑led projects
This work aligns with our People Power vision, recognising that communities are best placed to influence the places they live.
Meet Sandra – Our New ABCD Community Builder in Chapeltown!
We are delighted to welcome Sandra Swanston as our new Community Builder for the Chapeltown ABCD Pathfinder Project, delivered in partnership by ourselves and Unity Housing Association.
Born and raised in Chapeltown, Sandra has strong roots in the neighbourhood and a real passion for its people. She brings 33 years of experience in banking, along with a wealth of transferable skills and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with others. Sandra is looking forward to meeting local residents, hearing their ideas and helping communities make positive changes in Chapeltown.
What is the ABCD Pathfinder?
Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is all about recognising and building on the strengths that already exist within our communities – the people, skills, talents, connections and local knowledge that make Chapeltown such a vibrant place.
The Chapeltown ABCD Pathfinder is a partnership between us (LCH) and Unity Housing Association, supported by Leeds City Council.
Rather than deciding what a community needs, the Pathfinder starts by listening to local people and supporting them to bring their own ideas to life.
Through the project, we want to:
- Bring people together and build stronger community connections.
- Celebrate the talents, skills and resources already in Chapeltown.
- Support residents to develop their ideas for activities, events and community projects.
- Help local people lead the changes they want to see in their neighbourhood.
Get involved – Sandra would love to hear from you!
Whether you have an idea for your neighbourhood, want to get involved in something locally, or simply fancy a chat, Sandra would love to meet you.
Contact Sandra:
Email: Sandra@leedscommunityhomes.org.uk
Phone: 0781285788
Find out more about the project:
https://www.abcdinleeds.com/
