Cormac Russell joins Stephanie to explore how strong community structures support the wellbeing and everyday functioning of neighbourhoods and social structures, including caregivers. They discuss the value of local groups, relationships, shared responsibility, and community institutions, and why care shouldn’t fall on individuals and families alone. Stephanie talks with Cormac Russell, founding director of Nurture Development and a longtime leader in asset-based community development, about how communities can better support the wellbeing and everyday lives of the people who live in them. They explore the community structures that help neighbourhoods function and thrive, from local groups, institutions, and shared spaces to the relationships that connect people and make mutual support possible. Cormac explains why care can’t rest on individuals and families alone, and why caregivers need to be supported as part of a wider network of community care. The conversation also looks at how institutions can work more closely with neighbourhoods, recognize local strengths, and build on what communities already have. Cormac shares examples of community-based approaches and discusses why solutions need to fit the people and places they serve. About Cormac: Cormac is a social explorer, an author and a much sought-after speaker. He is the Founding Director of Nurture Development and a member of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute, at DePaul University, Chicago. Over the last 25 years, Cormac’s work has demonstrated an enduring impact in 35 countries around the world. He has trained communities, agencies, NGOs and governments in ABCD and other community-based approaches in Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe and North America. His most recent books are The Connected Community- Discovering the Health, Wealth, and Power of Neighborhoods (Coauthor John McKnight); Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2022, and Rekindling Democracy – A Professional’s Guide to Working in Citizen Space; Cascade Books, 2020. Find Cormac: https://www.nurturedevelopment.org/who-we-are/cormac-russell/ *The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.* Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support: www.compassionincaregiving.com For more visit our Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving
