Liz Richardson is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Political and Economic Governance at the University of Manchester.

"Excellent and engaging publication - highly suitable for a wide audience (academic/non-academic) at all levels." Richard White, Sheffield Hallam University

• Introduction; Talking to communities; Why neighbourhoods and communities matter to residents; Community action: so what?; The value of volunteering; How the groups organise themselves; What gives residents the right to take charge; Obstacles and limits, supports and potential; Conclusions - championing community self-help.

Liz Richardson is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Political and Economic Governance at the University of Manchester.

"Excellent and engaging publication - highly suitable for a wide audience (academic/non-academic) at all levels." Richard White, Sheffield Hallam University

• Introduction; Talking to communities; Why neighbourhoods and communities matter to residents; Community action: so what?; The value of volunteering; How the groups organise themselves; What gives residents the right to take charge; Obstacles and limits, supports and potential; Conclusions - championing community self-help.

Liz Richardson is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Political and Economic Governance at the University of Manchester.

"Excellent and engaging publication - highly suitable for a wide audience (academic/non-academic) at all levels." Richard White, Sheffield Hallam University

• Introduction; Talking to communities; Why neighbourhoods and communities matter to residents; Community action: so what?; The value of volunteering; How the groups organise themselves; What gives residents the right to take charge; Obstacles and limits, supports and potential; Conclusions - championing community self-help.