What is Community Development?

Community development is based on the core principles of equality, empowerment, social justice and mutual respect. Community development involves changing the relationships between ordinary people and people in positions of power, so that everyone can take part in the issues that affect their lives.

Why is Community Development Important?

It is important because it is a different way of working with communities, defined by the principles above. Community development recognises that people are not the same, but they are all of equal worth and importance and therefore entitled to the same degree of respect and acknowledgement.

What are we offering?


  • Opportunities for your community to learn new skills

  • Help for your community to build good relationships with key people in positions of influence

  • Support for your community to identify common concerns and to make a plan to address them

  • To work with your community to build the confidence you need to speak up

  • To share knowledge and understanding of everything to do with mental health

  • To share with health and social care professionals (e.g. Doctors, social workers) your community's understanding of mental health

  • To advocate for services that better meet the needs of your community in relation to mental health


    • Download the CDW leaflet (pdf)