Project spotlight: Holy Island of Lindisfarne Community Development Trust

Led by, and for, local people, the funding enabled the community to invest in the wellbeing, happiness and prosperity of the 150 residents of the island, through establishing volunteer workgroups and sessions. The project also allowed the community to invest time in what sustainable tourism can look like – particularly looking at tourist traffic, local businesses and availability of housing and accommodation.

The Community Development Trust is a great example of a community initiative seeking to address local problems through a collaborative approach.

When we checked in with Jon, Secretary of Lindisfarne Community Development Trust, at the end of last year, he explained: “The future is looking so much brighter than it was a year ago, but there is still a long way to go – this is not a short term project. Boosting the economy on the island will take time, they’re not overnight fixes. But what’s already happening is the sense of community cohesion, and pride has really increased. People on the island have a new ‘can-do’ attitude. Not being treated as an aid project anymore and taking control of our own development has provided a huge morale boost to the community. We’re beginning to talk in a new way about change and considering our future in a positive sense.”