The Brighter Futures Together Toolkit The Sustainable Communities North East Initiative has created this toolkit. Please use it, and spread the word! It aims to be a simple, helpful site for sustainability. It can help us all, across the North East, to create sustainable communities where we live. The toolkit has been designed in partnership with community groups, for community groups and individuals to use. It is principally web based, but paper versions are available for people who do not have internet access. It has been created by expert organisations, both regional and national. Every factsheet provides practical information on different kinds of sustainable actions. You can find out where to go for further help, advice, funding opportunities. There is also a collection of good existing projects, so that we can all learn from one another. Collectively the factsheets will help us to improve our communities throughout North East England, helping the region to lead the way on sustainability. The SCNEI The Sustainable Communities North East Initiative (SCNEI) is led by SustaiNE (the North East Regional Roundtable for Sustainability) and is made up of a partnership comprising of 19 Local Authorities, Northumberland National Park Authority, Durham Heritage Coast, Government Office for the North East, DEFRA.
  
What are sustainable communities? According to the UK Government, sustainable communities “meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life”. (Defra, Securing the future 2005). Further details about sustainable communities and sustainable development can be viewed on the Sustainable Development website at www.sustainable-development.gov.uk. Basically, they are happy and good places to live, both now and in the future.
The government defines Sustainable Development as 'development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.
Here in North East England, Sustaine, one of the leading bodies responsible for delivering sustainable development in the region believes it is also about "working together to achieve the best possible quality of life for the people of the North East".
Why should we take action to create sustainable communities? There are so many simple things we can all do to live a more sustainable life. If we make our communities more sustainable, we will ultimately benefit. These simple actions can save us money, can strengthen our local areas, can move us towards happier, more pleasant neighbourhoods. By working towards the creation of a sustainable community any group or individual can help to create a community that is: - ACTIVE INCLUSIVE AND SAFE
- WELL RUN
- ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE
- WELL DESIGNED AND BUILT
- WELL CONNECTED
- THRIVING
- WELL SERVED
- FAIR FOR EVERYONE
We can all help the North East towards a vibrant economy, a healthy and happy community, and a protected and enhanced environment for all of us, for present and future generations to enjoy. Why not have a go?
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