ACT - supporting communities since 1948

ACT is the rural and community development charity for Cumbria. We champion community and rural issues and support communities to:

Plan for the future
We support over 50 groups a year to develop and implement their plans, including Community Led Planning and Neighbourhood Planning and Community Emergency Planning. We have resources, toolkits, guides, advice and over 100 community plans that you can see here
Develop projects
We support over 200 community projects each year across a range of subjects, including specialist Community Buildings information and advice. Our Guidance Sheets and Toolkit and Workbooks, including a Guide to Funders, are also available for you to download and work through.
Work with others
Many of the projects we support are featured in our Newsletters or in Case studies where you can see what other communities have done and with whom. Our Annual Reviews provide examples of the partnerships we work with
Influence and change policy
We use what you tell us and our experience to advocate for and inform change. This comes together in our Publications, Research and in the News stories we promote. We also hold several events each year helping to share experiences and encourage best practice.

What people say about ACT

“ ACT values and supports local people whilst enabling the development of resilience in individuals and the community”

Karen Dutton

NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board
“ Provides valuable information and advice for any group planning a project in Cumbria. An excellent bank of resources available. Friendly and helpful staff team with substantial knowledge and...”

Caronne Field

St Thomas' Crosscrake Community Hub
“ They are always there when you need them with up todate advice and help”

Chris Battersby

Eamont Village Hall
“ It’s a fantastic organisation doing important work and the staff are exceptional!”

Julia Wilson
“ Many thanks for the info - I don’t know how we would have managed without your guidance!”

Gay Kelly

Community Hall at Grizebeck
“ Good advice is always available. We have benefitted greatly over the last 3 years from the support given by ACT”

Anne Holroyd

Kirkby-in-Furness Community Centre

15th May 2024

People do want to travel differently, to protect the environment and to see fewer cars on the road, to make space for bikes and walking. Some...