An organisation that champions community and rural issues in Cumbria is celebrating its 70th anniversary next month.

ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) is using its landmark anniversary to push for recognition of 21st century rural problems, such as housing and issues arising from isolation.

Its plans are contained in this year’s annual report, which also highlights successful projects including bringing together the Eden community-run swimming pool teams and supporting residents in creating the Flimby Flood Action Group.

ACT’s CEO Lorrainne Smith said: “We see our anniversary and this year’s report as an opportunity to celebrate the success of our approach of working with communities to make change happen across rural Cumbria.

“It’s always a balance, as we want to show what’s being achieved while making it clear that our team is simply enabling and supporting the people and the projects that are already addressing local needs.

“That’s been our way of working for our first 70 years and we know from all that experience that it’s the best way of making change sustainable.”

ACT’s work focuses on helping people and communities achieve their aspirations by providing practical advice and support and deliver training.

Through a variety of partnerships they are also able to represent the interests of communities locally, regionally, and nationally.

Lorrainne added: “We have development officers working across Cumbria and we’ve tried to feature projects and support from every corner of the county.

“We know that there are communities across Cumbria with ideas who are keen to improve things, and we’ve already made a start on funding bids and bringing these people together.

“We’re looking forward to supporting all sorts of projects in community-led housing and neighbourliness in the year ahead.”

Joanna Tate, ACT’s new chair of trustees, said: “It’s been a challenging year with the changing nature of funding and the increasing needs in Cumbria’s rural communities, but a review of ACT’s 70 years of history shows that it has always been thus.

“We’re all about supporting communities at grass roots, bringing people together to find solutions. ACT has also strengthened the collective voice from our communities, making sure that a rural perspective is heard in local and national government.”

ACT’s annual general meeting will be held on October 19 at Braithwaite Village Hall, near Keswick.