We have recently been featured in a national report detailing the ways deprivation in coastal towns can benefit from community-led regeneration – projects like Newquay Orchard!
The report called Power of Community on the Coast was carried out by UK charity Locality and includes Newquay as a case study, alongside Amble, Hastings, Birkenhead and Great Yarmouth. Read the report now.
Findings produced in the report state that seaside towns suffer from a number of detrimental factors including; higher levels of economic inequality, increased rates of long term health problems and neglected architecture and assets.
Emphasis is put on using community projects to ‘build back better’ following the socio-economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Luke Berkeley, CEO of Newquay Orchard agrees with the report’s recommendation to put community power at the heart of local regeneration strategies.
He said: “We’re so pleased to be featured in this report as it shows the community we have built, and continue to build, is leading regeneration in an area that is socially deprived and heavily dependent on seasonal tourism.”
“Through our Sustainable Lives programme offering opportunities to develop skills and build people’s confidence around employability, to our Practical Outdoor Traineeship helping young people get some much needed experience at the start of their working life, there’s a lot we can do here to help people in Cornwall.”
“There’s still a way to go though. The potential impact the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector could have on this town, with the passion I’ve seen first-hand from local people, could see our coastal town flourish for many generations to come,” Luke added.
The report follows a House of Lords inquiry from last year on the future of seaside towns. The Westminster findings stated despite specific coastal initiatives and funding many seaside towns continue to fall below the national average in terms of socioeconomic factors.
You can read the Locality report here. Explore our website if you think you might benefit from our Sustainable Lives programme or would like more information about the Practical Outdoor Traineeship. If you want to speak to someone about our social innovation and education programmes email info@nqyorchard.pixolomew.design
