Support specifically for groups set up to make their own communities more sustainable. Usually more general networking, information sharing, and advice.
Global Action Plan: EcoTeams in Derbyshire
EcoTeams are small groups of people who meet up once a month for six months to look at ways to have a better impact on the environment. EcoTeams are being supported in Derbyshire through a local network and through training events and information. EcoTeam meetings are fun and use a variety of activities to explore the issues from a new angle.
Thousands of people in the UK have now been part of an EcoTeam and saved energy, water and money on utility bills. Global Action Plan, the independent charity who run EcoTeams are providing support to local groups and individuals to set up and run teams, with training events and one-to-one advice. The EcoTeams resources work really well as part of an existing community group’s meetings, or they can be used on their own by a new group of people. Interest in EcoTeams has been registered in:
- Bakewell
- Belper
- Chesterfield
- Erewash area
- Holbrook
- Matlock
- New Mills
- Wirksworth
Low Carbon Communities Network (LCCN)
A national network of grassroots groups. Quite a new organisation, supporting and championing all low carbon community groups. Free membership if you join before 30th April 09. Sign up for email updates and explore the website. Useful ‘search’ function which will search all websites registered with the network.
LCCN Mentoring Scheme
Low Carbon Communities Network has a pilot mentoring scheme for those running low carbon community groups. Mentors need to have a couple of year’s experience of running such groups and mentees need to want to learn how. Find out more:
http://lowcarboncommunities.net/mentoring/.
Community Action for Energy (CAfE)
Part of the Energy Saving Trust. Offer a range of support, advice and training to group working on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Free membership for individuals and communities. Sign up for free email newsletters. Search the website for training opportunities, information on funding, consultancy services, case studies and more.
Transition Network
Network of grassroots Transition initiatives in the UK and beyond. Transition Towns are concerned about both climate change and ‘peak oil’ (shortages of fossil fuels). To register as an ‘official’ Transition initiative you need to fulfil some basic criteria. Sign up for free email newsletters and look on the website for links to other Transition towns, the Transition ‘primer’ document, forums, training courses and more.
Other low carbon community groups
Perhaps best of all – talk to other local groups to find out how they got started, what they’ve been doing, problems, successes, ideas for events, useful contacts and so on. You can find groups and projects through the organisations above, or just by keeping your ear to the ground locally!
Visit our Community Groups pages
