Self help is a community’s collective attempt to tackle the issues it cares about. Public spending cuts mean that self help is more relevant now than ever. This report is the culmination of CDF’s Self Help project. It is based on work with five community groups.

The report makes three key recommendations:

• Self-help intermediaries can bridge public services and self-help groups.
• A Public Service Plus programme should meet the shortfall in technical expertise.
• Community organisers need to match funding with support.