Supporting people to do brilliant things in their communities #BigLocal #CreativeCivicChange Secretariat for the Community Wealth Fund - bsky.app/profile/commwealthfund.bsky.social localtrust.org.ukhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.ukhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3ml6uugwjhd2sWhen we talk about our planned organisational closure, it can take time to explain why a programme coming to an end is a sign of its success. Our report with Shared Intelligence highlights how a time-limited approach can be more effective in supporting long-term change: https://bit.ly/4w9ZiU2 06 May 2026 14:09 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml6uugwjhd2shttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3ml3tdabtws2fThe English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill has passed into law. It introduces the Community Right to Buy a - huge win, but funding is needed to ensure its take-up. Additionally, the Bill doesn't strengthen communities' powers over public services or investment decisions. Act now 👇 [contains quote post or other embedded content]05 May 2026 09:03 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml3tdabtws2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mknar525pd24In the April edition of the Local Trust newsletter: 🗞️ Big Local has ended - what did it achieve? 💡 What we’ve learned about neighbourhood funding 🤝 Stories of leadership and change from Manchester and Lincolnshire 🌐 Data sharing with UK Data Service Read it now: https://bit.ly/4tISxqO29 Apr 2026 13:54 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mknar525pd24https://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mkkwo7exll2qWith the government’s renewed focus on neighbourhoods, the learning from Big Local is increasingly relevant. In our final year, we’re working with funders & membership organisations to share what we’ve learned. Our head of programmes Meg Falck reflects on the key insights: https://bit.ly/48ountc28 Apr 2026 15:48 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkkwo7exll2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mkanerni7h2sThrough Big Local, £150m was invested in 150 communities across England to support locally-led priorities. Did it deliver? The short answer: yes. Even the most cautious estimate shows benefits exceeded costs by £64m - with potential benefits up to £150m. Read more: https://bit.ly/4e7RwUf24 Apr 2026 13:35 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkanerni7h2shttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mk6byhuckl24“[Big Local] put community at the centre of the programme and its legacy - as a starting point, a guiding principle, and an outcome.” In this blog, our deputy CEO Jon Fox shares insights from Big Local areas to share the recipe for lasting community-led change – read it here: https://bit.ly/4vIvPjW23 Apr 2026 15:06 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk6byhuckl24https://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mk3o5cnakm24On #WorldEarthDay, listen to this episode of our Community Pride Podcast episode where host Kayla Jones explores how green spaces help build pride in place. Featuring Nina from Brinnington Big Local, plus insights on how these spaces support communities across England: https://bit.ly/4crV2Yk22 Apr 2026 14:05 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk3o5cnakm24https://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mjyse77huk2mBig Local areas were some of the most disadvantaged in England. Their economic context was shaped by factors such as government austerity, the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. But what stands out is how residents responded - read more here: https://bit.ly/4e0pCcK21 Apr 2026 10:43 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjyse77huk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mjwmkuyg3e2yWhat does it take to build an economy that works for communities? In our latest blog, our senior researcher Jack Loughnane shares what Big Local teaches us about building stronger local economies through examples of areas that have found creative ways to strengthen theirs: https://bit.ly/4tQQnF820 Apr 2026 13:54 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjwmkuyg3e2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mjp2uknny322A public consultation in Mossley revealed that residents wanted a community hub - so Mossley Big Local delivered. Today, their new hub hosts activities & events led by local groups across the area. At our recent celebration event, Mossley residents shared what community-led change means to them 👇17 Apr 2026 13:48 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjp2uknny322https://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mjmkjhggkb2cIn St Matthews, too many young people were being left out and drawn into trouble. So the partnership created a multi-use games area (MUGA): a space to play, connect and belong At our recent celebration event, we spoke to Lee Nicholls and Imran Dedat about the difference it’s made👇 16 Apr 2026 13:50 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjmkjhggkb2chttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mjjshrfxgn2iSam Delaney is using his journey through addiction and recovery to help others. With the support of Big Local North Cleethorpes, he founded Creative Start CIC - a community recovery & arts organisation. This #WorldArtDay, his story shows the power of creativity and community: https://bit.ly/3OhYZpl15 Apr 2026 11:35 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjjshrfxgn2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mjhq4kopbb2lIn Warsop, residents used Big Local funding to rebuild three community hubs, revive their carnival, fund local ideas, and help save their fire station. Here, partnership chair Maddie reflects on her own journey of personal growth & shares what funders can do to better support communities 👇 14 Apr 2026 15:47 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjhq4kopbb2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mjerb2a2on2eWhat does it really take to build pride in place? Our senior policy & parliamentary manager Tilly Steward shares examples of Big Local areas that have built community prideand what others can learn from their approach: https://bit.ly/4svPjph13 Apr 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjerb2a2on2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mj5gk7ygv52kOldham Big Local brought together three neighbouring, divided communities through building social infrastructure and resident-led change. We spoke to Amjid & Naeem from the partnership about the legacy of the Big Local programme, & how it has helped empower their community.👇 🔗 https://bit.ly/4mo6ffN10 Apr 2026 13:29 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj5gk7ygv52khttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mj2mzmvqou2iIn Whitleigh, residents came together to transform their area - from a mobile community van to improved parks and a wellbeing art group, creating spaces to connect. Becky, chair of the Whitleigh Big Local partnership, shares her journey and what others can learn from it. Watch below 👇 09 Apr 2026 10:47 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj2mzmvqou2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3miyhccuy322fClare Standish is the chief officer of Our Sale West CIO - their Big Local's legacy organisation. Here, Clare shares what they’ve achieved, the legacy they're building, & how the experience has shaped her. She also sets out four lessons for community organisations doing similar work: bit.ly/4dAC8zs08 Apr 2026 13:59 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3miyhccuy322fhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mivobehedy2y“It’s very easy to have lots and lots of ideas...but the real challenge is making them sustainable in the short, medium & long term." 🎥Laurie from Noel Park Big Local reflects on how resident-led action helped transform their area & shares his advice for communities working to create lasting change.07 Apr 2026 11:26 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mivobehedy2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3milt7lofgm2cWhat is community pride & why does it matter? In this Community Pride Podcast episode, Kayla Jones travels to Barrowcliff Big Local to see how community pride is built. She also explores what makes Big Local different, & why resident-led decision-making creates lasting change: https://bit.ly/41tKrpH03 Apr 2026 13:28 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3milt7lofgm2chttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3miizrnwgkt2x“What I’ve learned is that community power rarely starts with a sweeping change.” Dr Kayla Jones has been speaking with residents across Big Local areas for our Community Pride Podcast. In this blog, she shares what those conversations reveal about how community-led change: https://bit.ly/4sMwKhn02 Apr 2026 10:48 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3miizrnwgkt2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3migo6h7wpk2y4,916 residents involved🤝 200 community assets created🏘️ 123 legacy organisations established🌿 This is just a glimpse of what Big Local residents have achieved over the past 15 years. Last week, we celebrated these achievements at the ‘We Are Big Local’ event - take a look👇 🔗 https://bit.ly/4m0lV8O01 Apr 2026 12:15 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3migo6h7wpk2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mibjvabsmv25“Big Local was always only meant to last 15 years. But the work it started will continue across the country.” Since 2012, our CEO Rachel Rowney has seen how Big Local supported 150 communities to lead change on their own terms. Here, she reflects on its achievements & legacy: https://bit.ly/4tgCvUq30 Mar 2026 11:15 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mibjvabsmv25https://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mibcfzs3ao2gCelebrating Big Local – the movement communities made 🎉 For 15 years, 150 communities across England led change in their areas. As the programme closes, we’re celebrating the people, stories, and legacy of what’s possible with time, trust, and resources. Explore it all here: https://bit.ly/4m4GqS230 Mar 2026 09:01 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mibcfzs3ao2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mhxrc66xye22Social Prescribing Day might not be the most celebrated event of the year, but it matters. Our strategic partnerships manager Ruby Frankland highlights how social prescribing supports our strained health service, & why community-led organisations are best placed to deliver it: https://bit.ly/4rUIRYw26 Mar 2026 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhxrc66xye22https://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mht2urzx6j26In October 2022, UK inflation reached a 40-year high. While it has since fallen, the cost of living remains far above 2021 levels. As the crisis continues, Big Local areas show what communities need to respond well. See how they responded to the cost-of-living crisis here: https://bit.ly/4rOTYlO24 Mar 2026 17:09 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mht2urzx6j26https://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mhpxaghqyw2eOver the past 15 years, Big Local areas have faced multiple crises - so what helped them respond effectively? Our researchers Lisa-Marie and Ruby explore how building community capacity made a difference, and share three lessons community groups can learn from Big Local: https://bit.ly/4tncQcX23 Mar 2026 11:26 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhpxaghqyw2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mhihzhltsv2jAlmost half of young people in England feel their voice doesn’t matter in national decisions. Big Local partnerships set out to showcase the positive role young people can play when they are trusted, supported & involved. Read how they involved young people in decision-making: https://bit.ly/3PqduY920 Mar 2026 12:05 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhihzhltsv2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mhfwxuqdm224What do children and young people need to thrive? In this blog, Local Trust staff members, Laura Fisher and Cameron Pannell-Rae, share how resident-led action in Big Local areas helped young people feel connected, supported and involved in shaping their local area: https://localtrust.org.uk/news-and-stories/blog/youth-matters-what-big-local-taught-us-about-supporting-young-people/19 Mar 2026 11:54 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhfwxuqdm224https://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mhavknj5n22tThe Museum of Community Futures shares powerful stories of local people across Greater Manchester defying the odds to achieve extraordinary change in their places. 📆 12–14, 19–21 March 📍Factory International Presented by @right-here.org & @greatermcr.bsky.social 🔗 https://bit.ly/4uyKSw217 Mar 2026 11:46 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhavknj5n22thttps://bsky.app/profile/localtrust.org.uk/post/3mh6clav4mb2wWhen youth services disappear, what fills the gap? Big Local began during a period of austerity. In many places, opportunities for young people were shrinking. So Big Local areas stepped in. Learn how they invested in young people – and in the future of their communities: https://bit.ly/3N5KODj16 Mar 2026 11:01 +0000at://did:plc:pddudxtknfgjdvsvk4w7k4gi/app.bsky.feed.post/3mh6clav4mb2w