Community Development at AirS

Our key aim is to work with local people to develop innovative and effective ways to bring services closer to rural communities and improve the overall quality of rural life. We do this by helping rural communities identify strengths as well as issues and seek to develop opportunities and solutions in a way that fosters sustainable local provision.

Teams of Community Development Workers do this by building knowledge, connections, and relationships with each community, creating opportunities for individuals, groups, and organisations to initiate, develop and share their visions and achievements.

The support offered by AirS Community Development workers can include the following:

• Assisting with community consultation exercise to identifying local need.
• Facilitating the development of ideas and opportunities that meet identified needs.
• Supporting and mentoring community leaders and volunteers.
• Providing resources and information that can help with local delivery.
• Fostering links between local organisations, projects, and groups.
• Organising and signposting volunteers to training and networking opportunities.
• Working with local people to organise and run community events and celebrations.
• Helping with recruiting and retaining existing volunteers.

Airs Community Development Teams

AirS currently has two projects run by our experienced rural Community Development Workers.

The Making it Happen Team work in Crowborough, Uckfield, Hailsham and Polegate as part of the Making it Happen Project. This project is funded by East Sussex County Council and is delivered in partnership with Sussex Community Development Association, 3VA, HVA and RVA. To find out more about the Making it Happen Team and project click the logo below:

The Lost Woods Team work in parts of West and East Sussex as part of the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs Programme. This Project is Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is delivered in partnership with the Woodland Trust, the Small Woods Association and Sussex Wildlife Trust. To find out more about the Lost Woods Team and programme click the logo below: