Cumnock Annual Update 2023
By Corra Foundation
Each year, we share an update on what the communities we work alongside as part of the Place Programme have been up to. The next in the series this year is from the community in Cumnock. In the update you’ll find lots of information on what’s been happening this year, what we’ve learnt, and plans for 2024 and beyond.
2023 has been another busy year for the community in Cumnock, there has been a focus on creating new community spaces and organisations expanding to employ staff.
After a successful Community Asset Transfer of 39 Barrhill Road and securing funding to support the initial renovation works, 2023 saw Cumnock & District Men’s Shed (CMS) embark on an ambitious capital project. The Nest Wellbeing Group (TNWG) teamed up with CMS and helped strip out the space through ‘Positive Destruction’ sessions. The sessions offered a real stressbusting activity and, in turn, helped local people better connect with the space, creating a greater sense of ownership over the development.
Listen to this interview exploring the importance of employing lateral thinking to ensure your approach suits the project.
Camerado Community Living Room has created a community-led space with pop-up style living rooms in various places, including the town centre, and the beach.
Listen to Nat from The Nest Wellbeing Group talking about the important role space has played locally.
The Nest Wellbeing Group have recently secured £300,000 to employ a staff team over 3 years. The staff have provided a huge amount of support to community members over the year. The group also has a strong pool of volunteers that help at events including a weekly breakfast club, a community Burn’s Supper, and Christmas Lunch.
Nat talks about transitioning from a volunteer run organisation to employing staff in this interview.
Read the transcript of New Staff Interview.
In amongst the celebration, local people faced real heartbreak when the key partnership around The Nest (12 Kilnholm Place) became unworkable and, as a result, could not support the group’s vision for change.
Nat talks about the impact locally of when things go wrong, the challenging steps taken and finding solutions in order to support visions for change.
Read the transcript of When Things Go Wrong Interview.
If you’d like to find out more about the work in Cumnock, look at previous annual updates, visit the Cumnock Place Page or contact Fraser for a chat at fraser@corra.scot