Our Roadmap to 2030SWM and some of its members were part of the panel that assessed a selection of a total of 104 applications to the MACC Hub’s Flexible Fund, that supports place-based climate adaptation projects across the UK.
The MACC Hub, a project in which SWM is a key partner, launched a Flexible Fund last year which aims to catalyse transformational climate adaptation across the UK by supporting place-based projects that address local needs, reduce vulnerability and deliver practical, scalable solutions. Ten projects have now been awarded funding, bringing together businesses, local authorities, policymakers, community groups and NGOs to tackle real-world adaptation challenges and generate learning that can inform future practice.
These projects showcase a diverse range of approaches, geographies, and sectors, all united by a commitment to generating actionable insights and driving real-world impact. Together, they will help shape the future of adaptation by turning evidence into practice and scaling solutions that make a difference.
There were 104 applications in total, and SWM was part of the panel that supporting the review and selection process. We also proposed some of our members to be fellow panellists, including Accelar, Groundwork West Midlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and the Midlands Arts Centre.
The competition was fierce, and unfortunately none of the projects awarded funding are based in the West Midlands. However, the learning that we can gain from those projects that have been funded has the potential to be significant, and most of them have scalability and replicability potential. The funded projects are as follows:
Transforming dementia care through climate resilient built environment systems
- Based in Wokingham, this project is led by Dr Amna Shibeika, University of Reading and Wokingham Borough Council.
Cultivating resilience: integrating food justice and mental wellbeing
- Based in London, this project is led by Ben Rossington, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (the host of Thrive LDN) and Women’s Environmental Network.
Playgrounds of possibility: youth-led visions of transformational adaptation
- Based in Leeds, this project is led by Dr. Susanne Lorenz, University of Leeds and Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission.
Preventing avoidable demand on the healthcare system during summer heatwaves
- Based in Lambeth, this project is led by Dr. Yijing Li, King’s College London and Big Local North Brixton.
Adapting together: building local resilience through lived experience and partnership
- Based in West Sussex, this project is led by Professor Rebecca Elmhirst, The University of Brighton and West Sussex County Council.
Adapt-Ed: climate adaptation through education
- Based in Sheffield, this project is led by Lee Jowett, Sheffield Hallam University and The Green Estate.
Co-designing climate adaptation for Anglesey with people with learning disabilities
- Based in Wales, this project is led by Dr. Satish BK, Cardiff University and Play:Disrupt.
Act Together to Adapt: scaling community-led adaptation through institutional change
- Based in England, this project is led by Professor Daniela Schmidt, University of Bristol and Somerset Wildlife Trust.
Building resilience, building community: empowering vulnerable communities for climate action
- Based in Scotland, this project is led by Dr. Konstantinos Tomazos and Dr Andrea Tonner, University of Strathclyde and Together Reaching Higher.
Brink! hedge school: culture, history and place for local adaptation
- Based in Northern Ireland, this project is led by Professor John Barry, Queen’s University Belfast and Brink!
