Including the excluded: From practice to policy in European community development

Description

The European Union and individual member states are showing increasing interest in engaging with communities and civil society organisations in programmes aimed at reducing poverty and social exclusion. This book provides an in-depth study of how community development can contribute to tackling social exclusion. Drawing on the outcomes of a project funded by the Social Inclusion Programme of the European Union and managed by a European network of community development organisations - the Combined European Bureau for Social Development - Including the excluded: analyses the experiences of local communities; identifies and explains the key principles that need to underpin programmes and projects that use a community-based approach to tackling social exclusion; provides a summary of key action points that need to be considered by organisations and agencies. Examples from policy and practice in the UK, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Norway are discussed, with additional information from Denmark, Ireland and Hungary. The principles and methods discussed give a valuable insight into how the voices of local people and practitioners can be heard in policy and decision making forums. The book is a key resource for both practitioners and policy makers concerned with strengthening the role of community development in programmes aimed at combating social exclusion. It will also be essential reading on community development, urban policy, social policy and related courses.

Paul Henderson is a community development consultant and a Visiting Professor at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK. Previously, he was Director of Practice Development at the Community Development Foundation. He has has researched and written on a wide range of community development topics relating to both the UK and the rest of Europe.

"This useful book draws on a range of experiences across Europe to present some practical strategies for working with communities to promote social inclusion. It brings to life a frequently neglected area of policy and demonstrates the importance of working closely with those who experience poverty and discrimination to tackle complex and seemingly intractable problems." Alison Gilchrist, Director, Practice Development, Community Development Foundation