The experiences of pioneering rural communities in championing sustainable lifestyles can inspire neighbourhoods everywhere according to a report published today by the Carnegie UK Trust, building on evidence gathered through a collaboration with Big Lottery Fund and forty-four organisations and communities on the front line.
In 2007 the Carnegie Commission for Rural Community Development published A Charter for Rural Communities. The Charter identified a need to grow the capacity of local people, agencies and professionals involved in rural development, to develop community management of rural assets and to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. The latest report, a Manifesto for Rural Communities - Inspiring Community Innovation builds upon the vision provided in the Charter but acknowledges the accelerating pace of economic, environmental and social change.
The Manifesto draws upon strong evidence from real places that community action really makes a difference to people’s lives. The Manifesto suggests that dynamic, vibrant and sustainable communities need creative people working together, assets to support their aspirations and agencies and local people collaborating to an agreed plan. The Manifesto then explores in detail ten characteristics of the resilient community of the future.
Kate Braithwaite, Director of Carnegie’s Rural Programme said: “although this report draws on innovative ideas from rural communities, it is relevant to neighbourhoods everywhere. All communities are increasingly faced with radical change where there are no existing solutions. We need new structures and new thinking to achieve our vision for the future”.
Gerald Oppenheim, Director of Policy and Partnerships at Big Lottery Fund said: '' This report examines some of the most pressing challenges facing rural communities. The findings provide a rich source of inspiration and action for policy makers and funders.''Key findings from the Manifesto suggest;
- New entrepreneurial organisations like development trusts are flourishing but elected representatives have to collaborate more
- In times of austerity application of locally raised finance needs to be allied with funding redistributed from large regeneration programmes
- A realisation that the pursuit of growth is not everything; well being matters
Without a sense of place it is difficult for people to feel like they belong
In terms of infrastructure, distributed and localised solutions to rural affordable housing and transport are leading the way
Rural communities are guardians of food, energy, water resources for all of us
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For further information contact:
Kate Braithwaite, Rural Programme Director
Tel: 01383 721445 kate@carnegieuk.org
