Where ideas come to life

SU CARROLL visits a Plymouth organisation which is helping to put the heart back into this big city

- SU CARROLL

More than a quarter of a million people live in Plymouth which is home to a variety of communities, a big student population and various branches of the Armed Forces. Once Plymouth was known as the three towns – Plymouth, Devonport and East Stonehouse – until they merged to form the Borough of Plymouth in 1914. In 1928 it later gained city status.

Today, like many cities, the boundaries have sprawled outwards and the population has grown considerably. But one organisation is working hard to enable others to put the heart back into the inner city.

The Real Ideas Organisation is passionate about finding solutions to social problems, creating and supporting real and lasting change for people and places. They are a social enterprise and are enthusiastically helping other community interest companies and social enterprises to get off the ground.

Matt Little and Lindsey Hall are the driving forces behind RIO, having worked together on projects linking the creative arts and education. They set up a Community Interest Company in January 2007 and their first project was taking on Devonport Guildhall – a community asset in need of some tender loving care.