Nov 20 2023 27 mins
Building trust and connecting with communities on a human level can bring about powerful and positive change. By approaching communities with an open mind and genuinely listening to their needs, leaders and organisations can tap into the abundance and resources within.
This takes a shift in perspective and a willingness to challenge the status quo, rethinking traditional approaches to community development.
Gary Loftus is a community developer who works with organisations and communities to bring about positive change. He believes in building trust and connections within communities and challenging traditional approaches to community development. Gary currently works for Our Happiness Factor, a community interest company focused on working with so-called deprived or underserved neighbourhoods. Their work empowers local people, explores their potential for change, and creates spaces for collaboration and exploration of ideas.
Gary describes how, by empowering and investing in local ideas and projects without imposing bureaucratic barriers, communities can foster a sense of ownership and engagement from within, leading to meaningful and sustainable outcomes for the people involved.