3 days ago
Cumbrian charity offering £100 prizes for community-led projects
A Cumbrian charity wants to shine a spotlight on the success of community-led projects.
ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) is inviting groups and volunteers behind more than 200 schemes to share their stories.
Lorrainne Smyth, chief executive of ACT, said: "Our charity has been operating in a support role since 1948 and knows that highlighting projects encourages others to consider similar work in their local area.
"This is a celebration of what can happen when people come together for the common good.
"We want these powerful local voices to be heard and to help communicate their journeys, determination and creativity in bringing ideas to fruition.
"Following a two-year campaign, Greystoke has managed to secure a regular bus service to travel through the village, designed and delivered by the people who live there.
"The challenge is now to get passengers onboard.
"Bus committee meetings are held – on the bus!"
ACT is calling for submissions of up to 300 words, with a £100 prize available for the first entry drawn in each of five categories.
The charity can also help groups prepare their submissions.
Ms Smyth said: "Lots of people are doing great things.
"We support them in the background so they can be more effective and more sustainable, involving more people with less worry.
Projects supported by ACT include parish-led plans in Ireby, Cockermouth and Eaglesfield.
Other schemes include affordable housing and village hall improvements in Levens, and warm hub schemes in West Cumbria.
Ms Smyth said: "We are urging organisations to come forward to tell us in 300 words about their work.
"We can even help write submissions.
"The first one drawn in each category gets a £100 prize and we look forward to sharing their stories."
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