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Sustainable Communities and Zero Carbon

Reducing carbon and living sustainably is a 21st Century challenge.

Much of the work ACT assists communities with aims to help communities to be sustainable in the longer term.

Our Community Planning, Community Buildings, Community Led Housing and Transport support are key tools in developing and maintaining community sustainability.

We work with Cumbria Action for Sustainability to promote projects for community sustainability.

We promote discussion and help facilitate solutions for zero carbon communities, while being alive to the challenges and opportunities for rural communities.

What people say about ACT

  • Opens doors

    Mike Barnes

    Newlands Lane Allotments

  • Good to know of the invaluable work you do across Cumbria

    Martha Shields

    Martha Shields Design & Development

  • communication, programme and speakers

    Holly Ho

    Alston Moor Parish Council

  • The wealth of knowledge and understanding of communities

    Emma Bundock

    Allerdale Borough Council

  • Great to know you exist and support local issues and communities

    Jean McGrady

    St Cuthberts Church

  • Work with communities, encouraging participation and empowering people

    Diane Ward

    Copeland Borough Council

  • they give communities a voice, and opportunities to discuss issues that are affecting their lives

    Paula Allen

    Lake District National Park Authority

  • I think the community sector is under acknowledged and you have your eye on the ball.

    Andrea Aldridge

    Manna House

  • It is good to know that this organisation exists

    Pauline Boardman

    St. Cuthberts Church

  • It helps keep me in touch with broader rural opportunities

    John Farmer

    Longsleddale Parish

Relevant Resources

Guidance Sheets

Research & Other Publications

Toolkits & Workbooks

  • Guide To Funders 2023

    Funders guide for village halls and other community groups. Lists many funders supporting community projects in Cumbria.

  • 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.

  • Sustainable Communities Workbook

    A discussion tool to help assess your community's sustainability and plan for the future.

  • Community Oil Buying Groups Toolkit

    Many communities in Cumbria are dependent on oil to heat their homes and by setting up a community oil buying group residents can save money on their bills. This toolkit explains what a community oil buying group is, how to set one up and what you need to consider as well as tips and ideas on how to run and manage your group when it is established.

Case Studies

Videos

Tebay & Orton Tourism Group Feb 2013

Community Project involving training, events and local cultural/environmental heritage promotion.

Tebay & Orton Community Heritage Project Feb 2013

Community Project involving training, events and local cultural / environmental heritage promotion.

Crosthwaite Exchange Nov 2010

Lamplugh VH Film Nights Sept 2010

Bolton Exchange June 2010