Rural Voices: Action Research Competition In October 2002, the Scottish National Rural Partnership launched Rural Voices - an innovative year-long pilot scheme which provides rural communities with funding to enable them to consult on aspects of local service provision. The emphasis is placed on grass root communities defining how their own project aims to meet their own local needs, whilst simultaneously enabling them to gain knowledge and expertise of particular research skills, including community participation techniques. Eleven community projects from all over rural Scotland were selected for funding in the 2003-04 round and shared a total budget of 86,695. Nine communities have now completed their research, and the hope is that, armed with the evidence they have collected, they will be able to approach funding sources to obtain funds for their developments. Such has been the success of the pilot that it was announced in January 2004 that Rural Voices would be extended for another year, with 150,000 worth of funding being made available to rural communities throughout Scotland through the scheme. Fifteen projects have received funding in this latest round. Invergordon Off the Wall Invergordon Off the Wall are a local group who were awarded 7,559 by RV:ARC in April 2003 to conduct consultations within their community on the issues of local concern. The project envisages professional artists painting 20 gable walls in this small Highland town, depicting the essence of its rich heritage. The ultimate aim is to improve the look of the town by painting murals on the town walls to boost local economy and create a stronger identification with the place for local people. The evidence and support secured during the Rural Voices consultation helped Invergordon to secure 6,000 from the Forward Scotland-run Community Environmental Renewal Scheme to further its aims. The Invergordon Off the Wall group has already invited an artist to paint their first mural and awaits the opening of this later this year. Describing her experience of the project, Marion Rhind, leader of the group, said that: " Our journey began in April with the jubilant news that we were to be one of the recipients of Rural Voices funding. The fact that the Scottish Executive took us seriously gave us as much encouragement as the financial bonus." Garelochhead and Portincaple Community Trust Youth Project The Garelochhead and Portincaple Community Trust project was awarded 1,576 in April 2003 by Rural Voices to assist young people in develop a questionnaire and to research, design and publish a Youth Action Plan to ascertain the needs and aspirations of their peers with regard to youth facilities. Young people were right at the heart of this project, with the Youth Management Team comprising of 14 young people between the ages of 11 and 17 and eight adult volunteers. The front cover of the questionnaire was entirely designed by a young person and proved to be very successful in attracting attention to the research. The Action Plan has been used to secure 45,000 from the Church of Scotland Parish Development Fund to cover the basic salary of a Youth Project Manager for 1 year followed by 2 years of funding for a qualified Youth Worker, who will research and develop the idea of a dedicated youth facility for 12 to 18 year olds. |