Policy Press

DIY Community Action

Neighbourhood problems and community self-help

By Liz Richardson

Published

Mar 12, 2008

Page count

304 pages

Browse the series

CASE Studies on Poverty, Place and Policy

ISBN

978-1847420848

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 12, 2008

Page count

304 pages

Browse the series

CASE Studies on Poverty, Place and Policy

ISBN

978-1847420855

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 12, 2008

Page count

304 pages

Browse the series

CASE Studies on Poverty, Place and Policy

ISBN

978-1447315544

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 12, 2008

Page count

304 pages

Browse the series

CASE Studies on Poverty, Place and Policy

ISBN

978-1447315551

Imprint

Policy Press
DIY Community Action

How people can be persuaded to take more control of their own lives continues to be a subject of policy and academic debate, and the contribution of active citizens to improving societal well-being is high across different policy agendas. But the promotion of community self-help raises a wide range of questions - for people working in neighbourhoods, for policy makers, for politicians, and for residents themselves - about how we promote engagement, what would motivate people to become active, and more fundamentally about the ongoing relevance and value of community activity. 

"DIY Community Action" offers thought-provoking answers to these questions, based on detailed real-life evidence from over 100 community groups, each trying to combat neighbourhood problems. It presents a lively challenge to the existing thinking on contested debates, and proposes ways forward for community building.

This timely publication is an engaging resource for policy makers, practitioners, academics, students and general readers interested in exploring community engagement and active citizenship. Its insightful analysis will be of interest to students of social policy, sociology, community work, housing and regeneration, local government studies and public policy.

"Excellent and engaging publication - highly suitable for a wide audience (academic/non-academic) at all levels." Richard White, Sheffield Hallam University

"Powerful lessons for policy makers and practitioners at all levels shine out from the book, and it will help give community activists the inspiration they need to keep going." Professor Gerry Stoker, Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, University of Southampton

Liz Richardson is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Political and Economic Governance at the University of Manchester.

Introduction; Talking to communities; Why neighbourhoods and communities matter to residents; Community action: so what?; The value of volunteering; How the groups organise themselves; What gives residents the right to take charge; Obstacles and limits, supports and potential; Conclusions - championing community self-help.