Cornwall Link, the community platform which hosts our Social Action Mapping project, is expanding and would like to hear from anyone who wants to help Cornish communities or be more visible on Cornwall Link, especially Parish Councils, small charities and social action groups who are already gathering information about services and groups in their community and need an online space to share it.
Founded in 2017 by Age UK Cornwall, the Cornwall Link has grown into much loved community platform. Hundreds of people use it daily to find help, make new connections and access opportunities.
When everyone had to stay at home during Covid, people quickly became lonely and isolated. This website helped them stay connected. Local volunteers offered to deliver groceries and warm meals to those in need. Local businesses donated their facilities and resources to keep Cornwall moving. People, groups and organisations across Cornwall pitched in to help.
Age UK Cornwall stopped funding and managing the Cornwall Link last year, redirecting their resources to support the Community Gateway helpline. This helpline, open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year, offers excellent telephone and email support.
Nowadays of course, more and more people use the internet for support and the Cornwall Link fills that gap. We at Made Open chose to keep this website going without a sponsor and we’re delighted that it continues to bring people together.
In 2023, 10,000 new users visited the site, 500 new members registered and 225 new listings were added. About 55% of our users are over 50 years old. Proof that people of all ages are online and looking for local information.
Who’s Made Open? We’re a small company in Cornwall focused on supporting social initiatives. Our community software runs the Cornwall Link and several other community platforms nationwide.
In order to make Cornwall Link even better, we are looking for partners and sponsors. We’d like to hear from anyone who wants to help Cornish communities or be more visible on Cornwall Link.
We’d particularly like to hear from Parish Councils, small charities and social action groups who are already gathering information about services and groups in their community and need an online space to share it.
If you’re interested in partnering or sponsoring, please contact us or visit https://cornwall-link.co.uk/support to explore available opportunities.
Let’s build a stronger, more connected Cornwall, together.
Thanks and best wishes
The team at Made Open
