The Rural Regeneration Unit (RRU) is a Social Enterprise, governed by an independent Board.
We specialise in designing and delivering social and economic projects that help regenerate disadvantaged communities, promoting sustainable links between rural and urban communities is one of our key strategic aims, in essence the RRU is a social inclusion unit dedicated to people based, bottom up regeneration.
The RRU has formed more community food co-operatives than any other group or company across the European Union, we presently manage over 300 community food co-operatives, where possible we link the co-ops to local growers or suppliers.
These community groups have formed the basis for the delivery of a broad range of community based initiatives like Cook and Eat sessions, Patchwork Gardens, Farm Visit’s, Fruit in Schools and Fuel for Sport. Christmas in a Box (a food hamper scheme) is a good example of a project that connects urban and rural communities to the benefit of both.
Our work has been evaluated by specialist, we believe the testimonials of our volunteers supported by awarding bodies best express our success to date.
Welsh Rural Sparks Champion
In April 2009 the programme won a Carnegie UK Trust Rural Sparks award.
The awards are for rural champions who have made a real difference in the
areas where they live. There are five top Rural Sparks from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and 10 runners up.
The winning programmes and projects were selected on the basis of innovation, sustainability and transferability. The Carnegie UK Trust is one of
the UK's leading independent not for profit foundations.
World Health Organisation Counteracting
Obesity Award Winners 2006
In November 2006 the Community Food Co-operative programme won a World
Health Organization award for counteracting obesity for activities in
promoting fruit and vegetables, with a focus on vulnerable consumers.
The programme was selected from 202 applications from 35 countries.
It was later presented as an example of good practice at a World Health
Organization conference on community initiatives for increasing healthy
eating and physical activity.
Food Northwest Awards Mersey Partnership
Award for Community Regeneration 2006
The Food Northwest Awards are the highlight of the food and drink industry
calendar. From farm to fork the Food Northwest awards proudly celebrate
the energy, diversity and sheer hard work of companies large and small
operating in the region.
Nationwide Building Society National
Award for Voluntary Endeavour Runner-up 2006
Nationwide Building Society National Award for Voluntary Endeavour North
West Region 2006
These awards recognise individuals who give up time to help their local
communities with separate awards for young people and adults working
as individuals and in groups.
