Testimonials from our Community Camp programme

One of the most exciting things about our Community Camp programme is the possibilities it uncovers. What ideas might be sparked? Who might you meet? Whose story will inspire you?

Between our inspiring speakers and your fellow course participants, there’s a huge wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and connection to be shared.

Previous participants have shared their experience of the course and what they went on to do afterwards…

Kathryn

The ‘Share your story’ session was the most transformational bit for me. I hadn’t really shared my idea before then – only one person knew. The reaction to my idea was amazing and after I told my story I had so many people (there were 90 on my Camp) approach me, signposting me to initiatives or offering their support.

Cath

I must admit to being quite nervous at the idea of going to Community Camp, but once I was there everyone was so welcoming and it was wonderful to be in the company of so many inspiring community activists.

The mix of workshops and activities meant there was always something new to experience and learn, and even more people to connect with. I realised during the weekend that activism doesn’t have to be something huge or press worthy, it can be something small and private, and that had a big impact on me.

One of the things I did afterwards, in response to our town being labelled as the most segregated in the country, was to illustrate a poster. I am not someone who would necessarily march on the streets, but I used my skills to address the challenge in a different way. There’s no way I would have done that without the course. It resulted in setting up a small group called We Are Blackburn Together, where people from the diverse communities of the town come together to share stories, customs and to socialise together.

Sign up for things that are outside your comfort zone – the most powerful session I went to was about loneliness and I can see the impact of that session in my work now (I had already set up a Place of Welcome, and have since set up a Public Living Room). I would recommend anyone take the opportunity. It has been life changing for me and I know it will be for others.

Jo-Anne

I was part of the last Introduction to Community Action course. I really valued the hints and tips from each session and the opportunity to share our areas of interest/projects and network with people who were from across the country doing different things. The exposure to others meant that some of my original thoughts about my project changed and developed.

I would encourage anyone who wants to hear about the practicalities of implementing and developing a community project to apply. It’s important to have an open mind and to share and discuss, that way you can learn and grow. The things that I learnt on the course have underpinned several other projects.

Being affiliated to the Eden Project and the connection to local groups has been really supportive and having the support and contact from our Community Network Developer has been great.

Anne

The Community Camp was fab. It was all good but absolutely the best thing was all the networking with so many like minded people. My top tip would be to chat to as many people as possible. Share your ideas and problems and learn from each other. Try to attend follow up Eden Project Communities events to keep up the momentum.

Karen

I had accessed funding for a local community group and I was keen to understand how to make it into a more ‘formal’ body.

I really loved the course- it broke down the process of creating a successful community group into logical steps. In all the things that I’ve done since, I’ve really focused on the unique nature of our group. There’s been times when others can’t really see the value of holding that position- but I wouldn’t really have been so confident in holding that position if it hadn’t been for your course.

As a community group, we have continued to request and be granted funding from our local authority. It’s been magnificent for building community spirit amongst families with significant learning disabilities. We run dance classes for parents and the kids, but following on from what I had learned, we had themes – Alice in Wonderland, Glastonbury etc. We wanted to help families take part in activities that wouldn’t usually be accessible for them. Similarly with small sessions on the water – not something they usually would be able to do or risk with a disabled child.

Once a month we get the tables and chairs out and get snacks for the kids and sit and have a chat with each other and get to know how they are, building up strong trust in each other.

Lofty

Lofty is part of the Friends of Tarring Park, working to maintain and improve the local park in Tarring, Worthing, West Sussex. They focus on tasks such as keeping paths clear and accessible, improving flood resilience in the area, litter picking and bringing the community together with events and festivals. Lofty first got involved in his community by helping out with their annual Picnic in the Park, and it all led from there.

Lorna

I stumbled across the course on social media as I’ve followed Eden Project for a little while. As I already run a community group I thought this would be really beneficial to network and to find out ideas. It was really enjoyable and informative and I have met some lovely people! It was a joy each week to chat with like minded folk.

See Lorna’s Facebook group

Layla

The Community camp programme was great timing as I had recently changed jobs and was doing something with more of a community focus. I had also set up a successful repair cafe in my spare time (Repair Cafe Llanelli) so it would benefit both. The course introduced me to lots of different people and organised around the UK, I’m still in touch with lots of them now.

The workshops helped give me a better understanding of how to develop my idea and how to market it. Since the course, I have extended my repair cafe by moving locations to join a local community hub and gained more volunteers, I’ve spoken at various Eden Project events in South Wales, and furthered my career by studying sustainability and circular economy courses. Overall, it gave me more confidence in myself and my abilities!

Jem

It was such an amazing experience with a fabulous group of people from all over Wales, some of who are now good friends. We got to learn so many great things about how to work and help within our communities from both the Eden Project speakers and also from each other.

After the course, I became a local town councillor for wellbeing and put on two great wellbeing events in Monmouth. I’ve also organised two Big Lunches with Town Council funding (one for the Jubilee). I’ve recently been concentrating on my studies to become a counsellor and focussing on my volunteering with our new SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) group, the local museum and ACE Monmouth (Action for Climate Emergency) and Transition Monmouth as well.

I would highly recommend taking part in the course if you get the chance because I can definitely say it kick started so much for me and I’m loving doing so much for my local community now!

Jayne

Jayne talks briefly about her experience of our Community Camp programme and how she’s applied what she’s learned to her creative practice and supporting her community.

Inspiring speakers

Each course has a slightly different set of speakers, but here are just a few of the incredible people who have shared their knowledge and insights with us…

Chris Hines MBE
A highly respected communicator and driver of positive change who co-founded Surfers Against Sewage.

Mel and Andy
Two of the co-founders of MoreHuman, which is a nifty piece of events software designed to make organising and promoting events super easy!

Kathryn Welch
A leader and project manager especially interested in initiatives that help people actively shape the places that they live, and which widen access or tackle social injustices.

Our five top tips for making the most of the course

get stuck in, and don’t be afraid to share your story or your idea. Our Community Camp Programme is all about big ideas and the small steps needed to make them happen.
ask questions of others – think about your specific challenges and what you want to learn during the experience. If someone mentions something relevant or interesting to you, message them in the chat or talk to your local CND who may be able to put you in touch with them.
remove distractions at home where you can – create an enjoyable and calm space for you to participate in.
have some post-it notes or a notebook to hand to jot down any ideas or notes, and a cuppa at the ready! Comfort is key.
keep an open mind – you might leave the course with an entirely different idea to the one you started with. This is space and time for you to explore ideas and really be creative. Enjoy it!

Where might our Community Camp programme take you?

Bristol Seed Library noticeboard - post it notes are pinned in the shape of a flower

Sowing the seeds of community initiatives

Our Community Camp programme (now including the Introduction to Community Action course) has sparked over 1,000 community initiatives across the UK since it started.…