£1.5m funding creates community repair and reuse hubs in Devon libraries
Five-year National Lottery funded project will support communities to establish repair cafés, community fridges and reuse initiatives in local libraries across the region.
The 'Together for Tomorrow' initiative will be led by Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs libraries in Devon and Torbay, in partnership with CAG Devon, a network of over 50 grassroots sustainability groups supported by environmental consultancy Resource Futures.
The £1.5 million funding, provided through the National Lottery Climate Action Fund, will support the set up of repair cafés, community fridges, growing schemes, and sewing groups alongside workshops to encourage waste reduction. The programme will provide training, resources, and mentoring to help communities take practical action, with libraries serving as the community hubs.
Alex Kittow, Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited, explained the programme's goals: "Libraries are at the heart of our communities, so it makes perfect sense for them to be a catalyst for change. Together for Tomorrow will bring people together through collaboration, creativity and shared learning -- creating a model of community-led climate action that others across the UK can follow."
Charlie Eddisford, Communities Lead at Resource Futures, which manages the CAG Devon network, added: "We're thrilled to be co-leading this ambitious initiative that empowers communities to take meaningful, everyday climate action. To build on that, and to help new ideas get started, groups need time, space, and opportunities to connect. Together for Tomorrow will help create the conditions to make that happen."
Building on established community networks
The project expands upon the existing CAG Devon network, which was established in 2016 and has already demonstrated significant impact in community waste reduction. According to Devon County Council data, CAG Devon previously supported 14 community action groups that organised 265 events across Devon, including repair cafés and other waste reduction initiatives.
These participating groups include Action for Climate Teignbridge, Blackdown Hills EcoHub, Proper Job, Earth Action North Devon, Sustainable Tiverton, Sustainable South Hams, Transition Exmouth, and Uffculme Green Team.
The programme supports the broader goals of the Devon Carbon Plan, which sets out a roadmap for the region to reach net zero emissions by 2050, with an interim target of a 50 per cent reduction by 2030 compared to 2010 levels.
The initiative's vision -- described as 'more people, doing more things, more of the time' -- focuses on inclusion, resilience and community connection, making climate action accessible to new audiences through trusted local spaces.
The programme will also involve Active Devon, Honeyscribe, and Ride-on Cycling for outreach, while additional fundraising and engagement support will be provided by Devon Community Foundation and Devon Communities Together.
According to Kittow, this approach addresses specific regional challenges: "Devon faces a range of climate-related challenges – from coastal erosion and flooding to declining biodiversity, poorly insulated homes, and limited public transport, which forces people to rely on cars. Tackling these issues requires local, adaptable solutions shaped by the people they affect."
