"This charity bridges the gap between national aspirations and the necessary changes people must make in their everyday lives to facilitate tangible sustainable living…” Ian Pearson, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environment

The Government sees Sustainable Communities as those which are: active inclusive and safe, well run, environmentally sensitive, well designed and built, well connected, thriving, well served and fair for everyone...

The AfSL model achieves this through direct contact outreach and project work that effectively supports individuals, groups, schools, colleges and businesses. We work in partnership with Local Authorities and other agencies to:

• Develop Community Cohesion
• Strengthen the Local Economy
• Promote Health and Well-being
• Build Safer, Stronger Communities
• Value Children and Young People
• Involve the Voluntary and Faith sectors
• Improve the Environment
• Mitigate and Adapt to the effects of Climate Change

AfSL offers a unique and coherent model for creating real and lasting change on the ground, combined with a proven track record. The approach is:-

• Holistic (we cover all aspects of sustainability)
• Very local (ward level or less)
• Encouraging of social enterprise
• Long-term

We recruit, train and support community members to be ‘Local Project Managers’ (LPMs), who then support individuals and communities to find local solutions to local sustainability problems.

We support Local Authorities by:

• Recruiting and appointing LPMs in targeted LA wards.
• Supporting LPMs in their communities and encouraging liaison with LA staff and departments.
• Creating real achievements in terms of numbers of people living more sustainable lives and associated carbon reductions.
• Recording success of projects as well as individual stories.
• Giving LAs a platform for media coverage and promtoional opportunities.
• Providing a coordinated approach so that both AfSL and the LA can meet outputs which are tailored to LAA, LDF targets.

“The work that AfSL does is essential in helping people to understand that there is plenty they can do to combat the threat of climate change" John Leech MP (Lib Dem Party)

‘Whilst changes regarding the environment at national and international level are clearly important, changes in our own lives are equally so. AfSL are playing a vital role in inspiring ordinary people to make a difference. ' Tony Lloyd MP (Labour Party)

"AfSL is an inspiration to work with, they excel in helping people to help themselves - they provide a wonderful blend of information and support which makes people feel ableabout tackling local and global environmental issues." Cllr Vanessa Hall (Green Party)

"AfSL's approach to addressing sustainability in the community is unique and practical, and has proved to be an extremely successful initiative for the area." Keith Boxer, : Knowledge Capital

"AfSL's commitment is an invaluable contribution to making Britain's Greenest City.... The organisation has proved that taking small steps at a local level, really can make a big difference!" Laura Needham, Green City Officer, City Council

"AfSL is a very worthwhile initiative for and I am keen to support them in their efforts in getting people to consider how they can reduce their carbon footprint." Lord Mayor of David Sandiford