"A unique little microcosm": Exploring a self-sustaining community project which harnessed social action in a public space.

ABSTRACT

Government policy in England encourages communities to capacity build from within. Community psychology has explored the role of community resilience in this process. But what happens if a community appears to lack formalized resources? This article considers such a community in which a grassroots community center thrives outside the boundaries of formalized community organizations. It aimed to find out how this community mobilized, the benefits for those connected, and how the center survives. A grounded theory 'center as a living organism' was constructed from the accounts of eleven participants. Results indicate how community centers play a role in promoting individual and community level well-being and preventing distress. The importance of learning from progressive community initiatives and more partnership working between National Health Service, statutory, voluntary, and community groups is indicated. Effective engagement with and across communities to promote resilience and well-being is also a theme of the responses to recent events in England, such as the terrorist attacks and the Grenfell Tower fire.