The TUC will today (Tuesday) urge the Government to follow Barak Obama’s lead and launch a ‘green industrial revolution’, as part of a long-term strategy for a more balanced, sustainable economy. Addressing the annual Crystal lecture at Wolverhampton University, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber will say: ‘While short term measures are needed to minimise the impact of the economic downturn, the Government also needs a long-term strategy to ensure that the UK emerges with a more equal and sustainable economy. ‘We must restore a sense of balance to an economy that has become heavily dependent on the finance industry - and where the South East has overheated while other regions have struggled. At the core of the Government’s strategy should be a green industrial revolution to make our economy more sustainable and competitive in the long term. Investing in areas such as clean coal technology and micro-generation will create jobs and give our manufacturing industry a much-needed boost. It would also help the UK to meet our ambitious target to cut CO2 emissions by 80 per cent by the middle of this century.’

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10 November 2008
© TUC

In a nutshell is an exciting, free, ten-week online course delivered through the Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC) learning portal. Participants work with other professionals, community workers and volunteers across the public, private and community sectors to develop a shared understanding of the sustainable communities agenda.The course will help develop a real understanding of the term ’sustainable community’ by exploring the national and regional policy context and perspectives. It will also consider the roles, responsibilities and skills of the various organisations and individuals responsible for delivery and examine putting theory into practice. The course is facilitated by a highly experienced tutor who provides feedback, advice and guidance from start to finish. You will be expected to set aside approximately three hours per week to take part in online discussion forums and active learning modules which enable the sharing of ideas and experiences. The course cost of £100 per participant is being fully funded by the ASC. For more information or to reserve a place call Kelly Brewell on 0113 394 4574, email k.brewell@ascskills.org.uk

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6 November 2008
© Creating Excellence

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched its Third Sector Strategy along with a new £6 million fund to help third sector organisations support and develop environmental projects throughout England. Defra’s Third Sector Strategy is part of the Government’s wider commitment to working with voluntary and charitable organisations and demonstrates the department’s commitment to helping third sector organisations promote environmental sustainability. The report sets out how the department will improve the way it works with third sector groups

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03 November 2008
© Cabinet Office

In a nutshell is an exciting free online course consisting of five workshops delivered over 10 weeks.

Course participants work with other professionals, community workers and volunteers across the public, private and community sectors, working together towards a shared understanding of the sustainable communities agenda. The course is facilitated by a highly experienced tutor who will provide advice and guidance from start to finish. Discussion forums will help provide feedback and enable the sharing of ideas and experiences.
 
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27 October 2008
© ASC

Women mainly provide family care, but as women’s economic opportunities increase they will not continue to bear the costs of providing care unaided. To create a sustainable care system, care and carers must be better supported and more highly valued to involve more men in caring and reduce gender inequalities. Download viewpoint as a PDF: www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialcare/pdf/2293.pdf

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2 October 2008
© Joseph Rowntree Foundation

We all recognise the importance of the role of local food in sustainable food production systems but creating supply chains which include local food is a challenge. This is the second of two linked events focusing on the practical solutions to moving forward, particularly in the area of reaching urban consumers. The role of education and tourism will be considered and we will be joined by “the Cotswold Chef”, Rob Rees, MBE. This event is part of a series run by SW Rural Update on topics relevant to rural development. It is taking place on Tuesday 21st October at Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter.

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24 September 2008
© South West Rural Update

Play your Part is a toolkit for teachers to help encourage pupils to play an active role in community projects; it can be used to support Citizenship, Drama, Geography and PSHE lessons. This site includes ideas, resources, activities and teaching aids designed to raise awareness of sustainable communities, inspire young people to play a part in improving their communities and develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to devise and run successful citizen projects. The site has resources in four main areas: What makes a good community; What can we do to improve our communities; Planning and carrying out an active citizenship project; Celebrate and evaluate achievements.

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15 September 2008
© The Academy for Sustainable Communities

Date and time for this event: Friday, 24th October 2008 at 9:30am - Location: Cheltenham. Chaired by Elinor Goodman, one of our Commissioners, this event will focus on the future for rural communities, and the services upon which they rely. ‘Rural Services 2020: the challenge of sustaining rural communities’ will look forward 12 years to the point when, if current projections and plans are fulfilled, 3 million new homes will have been built in England.
Delegates will be encouraged to consider what the future shape of rural communities will be in 2020, and particularly the delivery of services. Speakers include Trevor Cherrett, of our Sustainable Rural Communities in the 21st Century team, and Professor Malcolm Moseley of CCRI. There’ll also be presentations from James Shorten (formerly of Land Use Consultants) and Chris Wade of Action for Market Towns. Find out more about this event and how to attend:
http://www.rsnonline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=564&Itemid=110

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3 September 2008
© Third Sector Online

WIND farm cash and community spirit are transforming one of Ayrshire’s most remote villages. A Barrhill Community Action Plan is being launched tonight, Thursday, aiming to regenerate the area. Barrhill was once an important livestock centre and also boasted a mohair mill. Now, after decades of struggle the village looks set to forge a new identity for the 21st century. The plan, written by villagers themselves, is launched in the Memorial Hall at 7pm. It comes after a programme of work and research, led by Barrhill Development Association. The plan will harness village spirit to build a sustainable and resourceful community.
It examines strategic themes, and how these can be developed to face future challenges.

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29 August 2008
© Ayrshire Post

The ‘Local Government Chronicle’ and ‘Health Service Journal’ Sustainable Communities Awards are now in their fourth year. They are among the largest and most prestigious awards in the local government and health calendars. The awards highlight the part councils, primary care trusts (PCTs), the third-sector and local partners play in maintaining and nurturing sustainable communities. The awards have recognised and celebrated some excellent achievements and innovative work throughout the country. Many local partnerships are striving to improve environmental, social and economic wellbeing at the same time. The IDeA Healthy Communities programme is sponsoring the award in the Healthy Communities category. Closing date for all entries is 17 October 2008. The award ceremony will take place on 5 February 2009 at The Brewery, London.

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20 August 2008
© IDeA