Kenneth joined Corra Foundation to hear from people across Scotland who are changing their communities for the better. At a Holyrood reception on 24 September, Kenneth pledged to support community-led action.
Through its People in Place programme, Corra Foundation works alongside nine communities in Scotland, engaging with local people and partners to understand their aspirations, challenges and shared priorities. The People in Place team uses a place-based approaches to get alongside people, listen to their ideas and support the change that matters to them.
They reflected on what inspires them to get involved in their local area and the difference their involvement has made, including through local events, community gardens, food shares, community bakeries and projects working to empower parents.
Aileen Campbell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Communities said:
“We believe in putting people and places first, and at the centre of decision making. That’s why we have adopted a collaborative, participative approach to our policies; bringing ideas and decisions about services, land and buildings together to improve their impact on communities and people’s lives.
“By engaging with people, Corra Foundation and its partners are empowering community members to take the lead and providing flexible support so they can put their ideas into action - on everything from jobs, health, play, education, investment and transport.”
Janice Hendry, Cumnock Action Plan added:
“It is refreshing to be able to provide grass roots information to Parliament about the important work of local action plan volunteers and the true partnership with Corra Foundation, of their invaluable input in finance, skills and knowledge and the ability to bring communities together to share ideas and projects. I was delighted to represent Cumnock Action Plan to share our aspirations for the future of our communities to make them a better place to live, work and visit.”
Kenneth commented:
“I heard inspiring stories from people who are changing their communities for the better. When local people are listened to and given flexible support, people can shape solutions that bring communities together, improve local areas and meet the challenges they face.”
Corra Foundation exists to make a difference to people and communities, by encouraging positive change, opportunities, fairness and growth of aspirations, which improve quality of life.
With over 30 years’ experience as one of Scotland’s leading grant-makers, Corra Foundation distributes more than £132m through over 14,500 grants to charities. It works closely with other charities and funders, communities and policy makers.
For more information please visit www.corra.scot .
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