Introducing Coastal Connections

A new project bringing people in Moray together

We’re excited to announce our new project Coastal Connections. We’ve been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, to support community-led activity around Moray. 

We’ll be working alongside communities in Burghead, Hopeman and Cummingston for the next 2 years. We can’t wait to support more people to get involved in community-led activity and build resilient, compassionate communities!

Coastal Connections will create spaces for people to come together – not based on age or activity – but based on their interests, strengths, and aspirations for their communities. Ultimately, it aims to improve community wellbeing, sustainability, and resilience by supporting local people to tackle their initial local priorities of fuel poverty and sustainable energy, community health and wellbeing, and local transport.

Plans for Coastal Connections

It’ll create opportunities for a wider range of people to get involved in community-led action and build stronger connections through practical whole-community activity – information events, training, workshops and get-togethers.

Through a local steering group, we will also provide development support to local groups and committees who are leading the way.

Why is it important? 

People are wanting more opportunities to address issues that are important to them – in ways that work well for everyone in the local context.

The communities around Moray have many strengths and are incredibly driven and collaborative. This funding will let Coastal Connections build on the existing strengths by providing practical support, networks, and encouragement to enables them to achieve positive changes,  supporting local people to lead the way. 

Local action for thriving communities

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said:

“National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country. This project delivered by Outside the Box Development Support Limited, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.  National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work and to help communities thrive.”

Get involved in Coastal Connections

If you live or work in these communities and would like to hear more about the project please get in touch with our local Community Worker, Fi Thomson – fiona@otbds.org