Suffolk ACRE

Rural Action East

Suffolk ACRE is a member of Rural Action East, the umbrella organisation for Rural Community Councils (RCCs) in our eastern region. As well as Suffolk ACRE, Rural Action East comprises the RCCs from the other five counties of our region, namely Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Norfolk. It was formed with two major objectives in mind. Firstly, with the increasing responsibilities of regional government agencies and their key role in delivering programmes, the RCCs wanted a clearer, consistent way to work with them. Secondly, the RCCs recognised the benefits of working together to improve the effectiveness of their service to rural communities.

Further information on the charity and its work can be found on their web site, www.RuralActionEast.org.uk.

21st Century Village

In July, Rural Action East and its network of RCCs or ACREs are launching their “ 21 st Century Village” regional programme.

The concept considers the question “What will village life be like in 2050?” and is part of a national concept initiated by ACRE.

The question embraces not just climate change and fuel (energy) poverty. Residents of rural towns and villages are facing other challenges. Amenities are closing down, public transport is becoming scarcer, housing unaffordable except to cash buyers and the quality of the surrounding environment is decreasing. The implications are for significant changes to rural life and the need to develop new ways to deliver services and provide for employment.

The aim of our programme is to raise awareness, stimulate ideas and help implement actions by individuals and communities.

The truth is that villages have constantly evolved throughout history. They have expanded and declined as the times have dictated, always facing challenges. The continued existence of vibrant, socially inclusive and sustainable rural communities across our region is testament to their ability to adapt and to take positive action to support themselves. With this in mind, Rural Action East and Suffolk ACRE challenge YOU to act to make YOUR village a better place to live in by:

Using your local shop more often

Making your home more energy efficient

Reducing and recycling waste

Volunteering with a local group or club

Walking or cycling instead of driving

Creating and conserving space for wildlife

In return, Rural Action East and its regional network of Rural Community Councils (RCCs) are renewing their commitment to work with rural communities to help them respond and adapt to the challenges ahead. Suffolk ACRE can help and advise you about the challenges ahead and how best to tackle them.

In a leaflet, we describe a variety of projects where local people, with support from Rural Community Councils (RCCs or ACREs), are making real measurable contributions to all aspects of life in their village, including economy, social inclusion and transport, as well as improvements to the environment and tackling the effects of climate change. We hope that these examples will inspire you to get involved with your local community and contribute to a real demonstration of Local Action – Global Impact.

For further information and to discuss any ideas you may have, please contact karen.richardson@suffolkacre.org.uk or telephone karen richardson on 01473 242513.