OUR WORK

Animateurs provide hands-on support to identify, develop and find funding for projects, with and on behalf of, fishermen.

We provide more than business support, as we work intensively with individuals and groups of fishermen to provide the expertise to achieve things which they would be unable to address on their own.

In this respect the animateur’s role is much more than a facilitator or co-ordinator. Instead, it requires a relationship of trust to be established between the fishermen and the animateur to enable the animateur to gain the insight needed.

We are experienced project developers who can undertake research and an application on your behalf. We do not have any official links with the Marine Management Organisation, or other grant providers, but can assist in the project development process. All risk, liabilities and conditions of any successful grant offer remain the applicant.

The project is funded by The Seafarers Charity, The Fishmongers' Company and Trinity House. It is delivered by the Cornwall Rural Community Charities development arm, CCDL Innovation Ltd. The project is a direct result of the needs identified in the Fishing for a Future Report.

Please note: The Animateurs are under no obligation to support projects which they feel are not viable/appropriate or safe. An example of our terms and letter of engagement are available.

Meet the Team

  • Lowena

    Lowena joined the team in December 2022, she has studied photography academically, most recently completing a masters in Photography at the Royal College of Art in London. Lowena is based in both our offices in Newlyn and Looe and helps fishermen apply for funding through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, Credit Union Applications and any help needed to access the internet. She is our lead on small ports harbour and cove works. Lowena holds the Sea Survival qualification.

  • Ellie

    Ellie recently joined the Fishing Animateur team after completing a postgraduate degree in Marine Environmental Management at the University of Exeter. She has experience working with small scale fishermen in coastal states around the world, particularly the small scale and artisanal fleets in Indonesia, the Maldives and East Africa. Ellie also has experience working with Government bodies in the policy making realm. Based at our Newlyn office, Ellie works on a wide variety of fishing applications and is the lead on supporting science projects and our Looe research base project

  • Ruby

    Ruby joined the Fishing Animateur team in November 2022 after completing A levels at Penwith College, growing up Sennen. Ruby is based at our Newlyn office and is our information gatherer and first point of contact for enquiries. She is happy to post out information and application guidance. Ruby holds the Sea Survival qualification Ruby enjoys bringing projects to life for those where technology and literacy skills are a barrier to accessing funding.

  • Amelia

    Amelia recently joined the team as a junior rural and coastal animateur, after studying at Penwith College and spending some time travelling. She is eager to apply her knowledge and experience of other communities to the work at CRCC, helping others develop and thrive. Amelia aspires to pursue a career at sea so gaining a better understanding of rural and coastal issues will greatly benefit her in achieving this.

  • Rob

    Rob Poole FRSA has worked with the fishing industry for over 20 years. He is the Principal Animateur at the Cornwall Rural Community. Rob has experience with many funders including National Lottery, governments, charities and trust funds. His broader experience covers complex multiagency funding and problem projects around community issues.

  • Skylar

    Skylar is working on her Phd at Exeter Universities Environment and Sustainability Institute. She works as a part time animateur supporting our work on Social Value and data.

  • Abbey

    Abbey has worked on sailing boats, locally and worldwide. After a degree, four transatlantic crossings and a season sailing around the Isles of Scilly she joined the Fishing Animateur team in February 2023. Abbey works on a wide range of fishing applications especially vessel safety, Credit Union support and under 10m engine applications. She is our lead on adding value projects and mobile equipment. Abbey holds the Sea Survival qualification.