VAC works with people and communities to improve the quality of life in rural Cumbria VAC Cumbria Rural Forum VAC is a member of the ACRE network


Sustaining Rural Services


Over the last two years VAC has been able to piece together something of the story of the impact that changes to services have on rural residents and to draw together suggestions about actions that can be taken by both rural residents and service providers when change may be about to take place.


Thanks to funding from Defra’s Rural Social and Community Programme VAC has been able to publish the findings of this work in the form of a report, leaflet and DVD. These are all available for download following the links below.


A Loss for Everyone

describes the context in which service changes are taking place and records the affects that changes have had on residents in a sample selection of Cumbrian communities. Download the report


Local Services Under Threat

is a leaflet which offers guidance to communities and service providers who are managing changes in service provision. Download the poster


A Loss for Everyone – the DVD

summarises our findings and showcases several examples of effective community action in response to change. Narrated by broadcaster Eric Robson it features interviews with people from across Cumbria and includes a contribution from Dr Stuart Burgess, the Government’s Rural Advocate. Click here to download video (142Mb)(around 20mins download time)


The Exchange at Crosthwaite ‘How To’ Guide

In the course of this project we have also been able to work with and record the Crosthwaite Exchange – A shining example of effective community action in the face of service loss. We have published a ‘how to’ guide based on this case study. Download the Crosthwaite Exchange guide.


For hard copies of the documents or DVD please contact VAC on 01768 840826 or email vac@ruralcumbria.org.uk

During the project we also sought out web resources that we thought might be of use to communities and service providers when faced with change. Click here to access links to various websites and online resources.


Last updated on: 2008-06-19