Acumen Community Development Enterprise Trust
'Bloomin Marvellous'
The
Acumen Community Enterprise Trust is a registered charity established
in May 2003. The group aims to provide support to enterprise in East Durham
and to engage the community into learning and employment.
Acumen applied for funding towards a scheme they had set up called Bloomin' Marvellous, with the aim of entering the villages of Horden and Easington into the 'Britain in Bloom' competition. This project was an innovative idea to combat the social problems faced in Easington. The area is the 4th most deprived district in Britain (worst outside London).
The project aimed to bring together the community, of all age groups, to help to brighten up their villages and improve their quality of life. Activities were open and accessible to all and it was hoped that participation in the project would give the community a sense of pride and ownership as well as encouraging community trust and family learning in schools. Importantly the group was proactive in involving the local community in planning by seeking their views and opinions. Approximately 5,000 volunteers have been proactive in the project, which commenced in April 2004. It was anticipated that all residents of the two villages (over 13,000 individuals) would potentially benefit from the project.
Acumen Community Development Enterprise Trust received £5,000 to contribute towards the cost of tools for the Bloomin' Marvellous Community Transformation Project.
The money bought equipment including a mower, strimmer, hand tools and litter pickers, to enable the volunteers of Horden and Easington Colliery communities to participate in the Bloomin' Marvellous scheme. This funding has helped to create a sense of community within this deprived area and has transformed the environment for residents. Many people participated in the project including local schools, colleges and nurseries as well as an outside action team. One major part of the project saw an area of wasteland transformed into a Beach Garden.
A Channel 4 film is now being made about the experience.
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