Photo: group of people.

Setting up and running a group

Support for new and established groups in Cumbria, from choosing an appropriate legal structure to business planning, fundraising, and recruiting and managing volunteers.

Setting up a new group is very exciting. However, it can be a bewildering experience, so many options, so much information to consider, but where do you start? The following workbooks and guidance sheets will help you through the process of setting up and running a group.

What people say about ACT

  • If it had not been for you encouraging & inspiring us to apply for the grant it would not have been achievable

    Home Manager

    Inglewood Care Home, Wigton

  • It is good to know that this organisation exists

    Pauline Boardman

    St. Cuthberts Church

Relevant Resources

Guidance Sheets

Toolkits & Workbooks

  • Good Neighbours Scheme Toolkit

    A Good Neighbours Scheme is a community-run initiative linking people who are in particular need with community volunteers who are willing to help. The Good Neighbours Scheme Toolkit will assist and guide you through setting up a scheme. Please also see accompanying template documents that can be used in conjunction with this toolkit.

  • ACT Community Exchanges Toolkit

    Community Exchanges are regular community-led events that bring people together, provide services and information and reduce social isolation. This toolkit brings together a series of guidance sheets and video interviews from Crosthwaite Exchange, 'The Vic' Community Cafe in Culgaith, and Bolton Exchange, to support other communities looking to start their own Exchange or Community Cafe.

  • Questionnaire Design Guide

    Being able to put together a survey which is easy to understand, and will give you the information you need, is a useful skill for any community group, particularly those doing Community Led Plans. This guide provides an introduction to writing questionnaires, the types of questions to avoid, how to ensure your survey is accessible to all, and how to analyse the results.

Case Studies