This week, the team behind the recently revamped Transition Streets programme (pictured) launched a Crowdfunder, to raise funds for the project so that it can benefit more people in Totnes, the South Hams, Devon and beyond.
The solutions focused Transition Streets project is taking positive action to confront the cost-of-living, climate and loneliness crises with significant results. Due to interest and demand from various community groups across the UK, the time is now to take it nationwide and it could be right up your street.
Transition Streets is a tried and tested programme that is proven to empower groups of neighbours to make their street a better place to live, with steps to take to reduce household bills and cut down on their carbon footprint.
Our vision is to develop a network of Transition Streets across the UK so participating communities can learn from and inspire each other. We are passionate about Transition Streets, it has made a huge impact within the neighbourhoods in which we've run it and we know that it has massive potential everywhere.
Rob Hopkins, co-creator of Transition Streets and co-founder of the International Transition Movement, says;
Local residents regularly report feeling happier, healthier, and better connected to their neighbours. This makes a huge difference to their personal and collective wellbeing, which in turn makes them more resilient in the face of climate change.
Johara Bellali, a resident of Shute Road, Totnes, whose street has been participating in the programme this year says:
“We’re now sharing a lot on our street - plants, seedlings, shopping, buying in bulk, films and things that we find moving. It’s amazing to know that we are not alone, to know that there are people living next to me that I can call on.”
The Crowdfunder has already received support from community groups in the South Hams, Devon, Bath, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
Sara Grimes, Wiltshire County Council Climate Officer, says;
“We stand in awe of your materials and approach. Please support this Crowdfunder to enable everyone to benefit”
By donating to the Crowdfunder, you will not only get that warm glow of knowing you're part of something bigger that can truly make a difference to people's lives and livelihoods, you can also choose to receive one of the ethically-sourced rewards from various friends of the project - but be quick as the rewards are limited!
If successful in securing the Crowdfund target of £25,000 by September 20th 2022, the roll out across the UK will begin in early 2023.
There are various ways you can support this Crowdfunder to help us reach our target and bring Transition Streets to your neighbourhood:
- To find out more and pledge your support, visit the Crowdfunder page at bit.ly/BetterStreetsAhead
- Help spread the word on the street and share the link to the Crowdfunder with your friends, family, networks and neighbours!
- Follow the campaign via our social media posts and become a friend on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - please like and share!
- Join the conversation using hashtag #BetterStreetsAhead
If you'd like to add to the rewards on offer to encourage donations from your networks, there's still time. Get in touch with project manager Ruth.
What if you could help change the world one street at a time - what would that look like where you are?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this. You could show us in words, pictures or poetry, how you envisage your street could be better, with a little bit of imagination and a lot of love. We'll share any posts that tag our social pages or join in with this campaign using #BetterStreetsAhead
Meet the team behind Transition Streets at community summer fun day events this month. This Saturday July 9th, you’ll find them at St John’s School in Bridgetown from 12pm to 3pm and in a couple of weeks’ time at Follaton Community Centre on Saturday July 23rd from 1pm to 4pm. The events will include free children’s activities, free membership of the Share Shed - a library of things, a barbecue provided by Food in Community offering delicious local food for a donation and there’s a book and clothes swap organised.
Knowing and feeling connected to our neighbours is proven to make us happier and healthier. Yet we know that one of the biggest challenges Totnes and its district face is widespread loneliness in our communities.
Ruth Leonard-Williams
Just as the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow comes to a close, where world leaders have pledged to take action on climate change, Transition Town Totnes (TTT) has been ramping up efforts to support the local community to adapt and face the challenges ahead.
Transition Town Totnes 