Three young people are sitting outside, laughing with each other
Photo credit: Youth Access

What do we mean by asset-based approach’?

Paul Hamlyn Foundation has made a strategic decision to prioritise work with young people that starts by recognising and building on their strengths. This type of work is often referred to as an asset-based approach and can include strengths-based’, advantaged thinking’, or asset-based community development’ practices. This page sets out what we mean when we refer to an asset-based approach’.

  • Assets can be internal, for example, personal qualities, talents, skills and interests. They can also be external, such as resources, opportunities or networks that a young person has access to.

What does an asset-based approach look like on a practical level?

Asset-based approaches are not about positive thinking’ or pretending that young people do not face problems. They are about addressing these challenges in a way that empowers young people, instead of viewing them as a checklist of problems to be solved, or victims. 

Organisations that adopt an asset-based approach will seek to identify and celebrate young peoples’ assets. They support young people to build on these strengths, developing the skills, networks and resilience required to thrive independently.

Because every young person is unique, thriving’ will mean different things to different individuals. For one young person, it may be about finding a place to live; another may wish to become more confident; another may dream of going to university; another may have ambitions to start a business. 

The meaning of thriving’ may also change as an individual progresses. For example, what is required to thrive at age 15 may be very different from what is required at age 20. Engagement with an emphasis on youth voice and leadership is therefore vital in order to ensure that the work being done is relevant, impactful, and tailored to young people’s needs.

The Alliance for Youth Organising and Act for Change Fund embody these ideas — and this blog explores what we learned about working with young people as equal partners for change.

Case studies

To help youth organisations to understand how an asset-based approach works, we commissioned case studies on OTRGirlDreamer and The Warren Youth Project. We also produced a report with an overview of the findings and reflections on asset-based working.

Why have we prioritised asset-based approaches?

Our mission is to help people overcome disadvantage and lack of opportunity, so that they can realise their potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives. Our founder, Paul Hamlyn, believed in a fair society in which people could achieve their potential, free from prejudice and disadvantage. He was particularly interested in improving opportunities for young people.

Simply helping young people cope with disadvantage is not enough. Paul Hamlyn Foundation wants them to thrive, becoming successful adults and members of society. We believe that asset-based approaches are a way to help make this happen.

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