Revitalising grants kick start post-covid activity
Back in March we invited all CAG Devon groups to apply to us for a Revitalise Grant, small pots of funding which would help them get up and running again as covid restrictions eased. Three months later, how are they getting on?
Eight groups applied and were collectively awarded £2800 for a range of projects. It’s been great to see some of the ways in which those funds are being put to good use.
- Abbotskerswell Repair Workshop – signage for the community repair workshop they’re aiming to set up later this year. They’ve been busy fund-raising and repairing over the last 18 months.
- Ashburton Community Fridge – signage for their new Community Fridge which launched in April 2021.
- Ashburton Repair Cafe – equipment to set up two workstations at #14, their current location for their Phone and Drop repair service. The double fronted former bar now has a live ad for the Repair Cafe in each window, where volunteer repairs do their thing, raising the profile of the Repair Cafe as folk passing by can see repairs in action.
- Blackdown Hills Transition Group – purchase of PAT testing kit, ultrasonic bath cleaner and a new Repair Cafe banner. The Repair Cafe has continued on a click and collect basis throughout the pandemic, repairing over 400 items during that period. Amazing!
- Dawlish against Plastic – they are keen to tackle the issue of refill which has taken been severely challenged during the pandemic. They are exploring working with cafes and takeaway outlets to offer reusable canister sleeves to reduce single use plastics, plus information and publicity to retailers encouraging them to once again offer refill options. They’ll be talking more about this at our Plastics Collaborate on 20 July.
- Sustainable Bishop – are pulling together resources/a guide around Easy Steps towards Carbon Reduction. They’re aiming to reach every household in Bishopsteignton to help reduce their carbon footprints. Working in partnership with the Parish Council on this project.
- Sustainable Tiverton – purchasing a refurbished laptop to be used initially by a University of Plymouth intern who will working with the group through the Autumn, focusing on communications and branding. Also using the art from recent competition to generate promotional materials for the intended Sustainability Hub.
- Uffculme Green Team – have purchased litter-picking equipment and hi-viz jackets which had their first outing on 12 June with great success – see the photos above.
Every group will be sharing their progress and learning over the year, as groups get back to business, and we look forward to seeing more images and hearing more stories about how a small amount of funding can make a difference.
