Act Staff
Lorrainne was appointed as Chief Executive in 2012. Prior to this she worked as Strategic Policy Advisor Community Programmes and Performance Manager at Cumbria County Council where she advised on community engagement and inclusion. Lorrainne's background is in community development, specialising in rural communities. Between 1993 and 2007 she worked at ACT as the Development Team Manager taking responsibility for a variety of projects. She has worked extensively with parish councils, village halls, graduate apprentices and undertaken project development and delivery with communities throughout Cumbria. Lorrainne has also held management positions in private sector training and development companies, local authorities and Third Sector organisations placing emphasis on shared learning and the development process.
Julia joined ACT in 2002 and is the Development Manager. She works part-time for ACT developing new project ideas and identifying funding opportunities.
Previous roles for ACT have included development work with communities in the south of the county and project management. Julia has 20 years experience in the voluntary sector and has worked for the Wildlife Trusts, Cumbria CVS and Brathay Trust.
Hellen joined ACT in 2006. In her role as Development Officer she focuses on the North of the county, supporting communities with Community Led Planning, Village Halls advice, Community Resilience, Emergency Planning and other initiatives.
Prior to joining ACT Hellen established and led a programme for the Princes Trust in West Cumbria, mentoring and facilitating learning for young people.
Fran joined the ACT team in 2015 and is Development Officer working with communities in the south of the county. She supports the work of groups involved in Community Led Planning and offers advice to Village Halls on a range of practical and governance issues.
Fran has over fifteen years previous experience working for a national charity in which she created, funded and managed opportunities to engage volunteers in practical environmental work and training. She has a particular interest in sustainable living and social equity, including community led development, locally-owned renewable energy production and making sure that communities work to meet the needs of those who require support.
Dani joined ACT in 2005 after relocating from Yorkshire where she worked as PA to Chief Executive of a group of international companies. As well as administering the Cumbria Rural Panel, Rebuilding Together and the Community Resilience Network she also provides PA support to the Chief Executive, organises ACT's events and conferences, and is currently mentor for our Business Administration Apprentice. Dani is the public voice of ACT. She is responsible for the smooth running of the offices, finances and support services to the ACT team and all those who call us with enquiries.
Katie joined the ACT team in March 2019 as a part-time Development Officer with a focus on championing community-led housing in Copeland. Katie has a strong background in environmental conservation and an experienced footing with farmers, volunteers and community groups. She has previously worked for West Cumbria Rivers Trust, Lancashire & Lincolnshire Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB.
Katie was also a Research Assistant at the Centre for Rural Research (based at the University of Worcester) investigating a broad range of issues from recreational use of protected landscapes to the wider impacts of polytunnel agriculture.
This article contains information for village halls and community buildings on: preparing for re-opening; insurance; Test & Trace and collecting contact details; children &young people activities; playgrounds; and indoor gym & leisure facilities. It includes links to updated ACRE information, following Government Guidance and Regulatory change. Please also read the previous 2, 11, 16 June and 3 July Updates.
This article contains information for village halls and community buildings on: preparing for re-opening, indoor sport, and use by schools and holiday/after school clubs. It includes links to updated ACRE information, following recent Government guidance issued. Please also read the previous 2, 11 and 16 June Updates.
This article contains information for village halls and community buildings on: preparing for re-opening; indoor markets; places of worship; and ventilation systems. Please also read the previous 2 June and 11 June Updates.
ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) - the rural and community development charity for the county – has been working with the team behind the Cumbria Village Halls Network to support them in reaching over 100 members. The Network is hosted on Facebook and provides a forum where the volunteer hall committees can come together, and learn from each other, share best practice and keep up to date.
With the fast-moving events around managing COVID-19 this has proved to be invaluable to those managing village halls across Cumbria. ACT is encouraging all village halls in the county to join and take advantage of the benefits of being part of this virtual community.
This article contains information for village halls and community buildings on possible re-opening; sport and recreation facilities; working with user groups; insurance, and converting ticket refunds and subscriptions into Gift Aid donations. Please also read the previous 2 June Update.
This article contains information for village halls and community buildings on possible re-opening dates; activities in and outside your hall; and financial assistance to help with loss of income.