Cumbria Sustainability Network
Penrith Action for Community Transition
Penrith Action for Community Transition (PACT) is part of the global Transition Town Network, aiming to tackle the issues of fossil fuel use, climate change and economic sustainability within its community. The group is made up of volunteers who really want to make a difference in their area and bring about a more sustainable way of life.
The group engage with issues such as energy, food, building, education, transport, waste and recycling, and organise regular public meetings to raise awareness of climate issues. They have been successful in establishing new projects such as the Penrith Repair Café, which operates on the second Saturday of the month, and has become a regular feature for the town.
They are currently working with Futureproof Cumbria to support their Thermal Imaging camera project by recruiting volunteers who are willing to go into people’s homes to conduct a survey on cold spots and signpost people to further advice on insulation. They have also collaborated with Futureproof on work around installation of solar panels and promoting electric vehicles.
Recently, the group has worked with XR North Lakes, the Alhambra Cinema and BlueJam Arts to develop a Youth Green Screen project, using creativity to reach out to young people and to give them a platform to make their voices heard.
The group is also very much involved in community gardening projects, encouraging local people to grow their own vegetables through knowledge and skill sharing. They also run regular gardening sessions around Penrith, creating and caring for its green spaces.
You can get in touch with the group via email, phone or Facebook or turn up and speak to a group member at a local event to find out more information. You can also sign up to their newsletter and become a member via their website.
Website:
Email: info@penrithact.org.uk.
The steering group meets the first Wednesday of the month in Penrith at 7pm and all are welcome to come along and share their views. PACT also runs the Penrith Repair Café at the Old Fire Station on the second Saturday of every month from 10am to 1pm. Community gardening events are also held every Tuesday at 10am in various locations around Penrith (see website for details). A calendar of other events is also available on their website.
