In the last decade, researchers have increasingly focused on how community resources, or ‘assets,’ can protect and enhance health and wellbeing. These assets can be mobilised to improve individuals’ health, known as an asset-based approach to health.
Assets are wide-ranging. They are the resources, skills and knowledge of individuals, community and voluntary associations, public and private organisations, and physical environments. They include libraries, writing groups, archives, gardens, exercise classes, sporting events, volunteering and charitable groups, and community organisations such as youth services, trade unions, and religious groups.
There are an estimated 1 million assets within communities in the UK, ranging from theatre societies to community gardens.
RSPH and University College London (UCL), supported by the MARCH Network, have developed this course to increase knowledge and understanding of how community resources, including arts, culture and heritage activities can improve our physical and mental health and wellbeing.
