Berwick Community Trust

Created Local Jobs - Protected the provision of childcare opportunities in Berwick upon Tweed and Wooler by employing almost thirty staff members involved in the provision of childcare through Surestart, launched a Play Outreach Project across the town and supported Berwick Young Carers. Here for You was formed as an arm of the Trust with Joanne and Becci both volunteering until funding was obtained.

Provided Meeting, Offices, Shop and Cafe spaces - Refurbished the William Elder Building and created Meeting, Conference and business office spaces. Hosted and managed Berwick Food Bank. Facilitated the opening of the Serendipity local artisans store, and more recently purchased the Lookout Cafe on the Quayside. Managed the Reach Project enabling 80 people to find work including the start up of 12 businesses.

Environmental - Commissioned a Wind Turbine in 2014. Installed pV panels to six local schools and a sports centre, developed a 500kW wind turbine project, worked on low carbon initiatives and Every Drop Counts to enable residents to save money on water bills. Sold the wind turbine and created a Core Legacy Fund for local groups and communities with buildings to apply for funding to reduce energy costs and new initiatives.

Community - Developed and supported, over seven years, a range of local Festivals – Film, Jazz and Border Green. Attracted one hundred independent members. Hosted the Welcome Visitor Project for 2 years providing Tourism benefits to local businesses. Employed a dedicated Destination, Marketing and Development Officer and developed the VisitBerwick website and supported businesses. Directly attracted £1.8m into Berwick.