As we enter the final years of the Big Local programme, we’re changing how we support Big Local areas to achieve their ambitions.
In 2022, we enhanced the support we provide to Big Local areas to achieve their ambitions by rolling out a new package of support under the name Make it Happen.
It’s called Make it Happen because, with only a few years left of the programme, there’s no better moment than now to take advantage of free support on offer from Local Trust and our partners to deliver your Big Local plan.
The changes to support have happened following a deep review of the way we support partnerships, conducted in 2021. We drew on interviews, conversations and surveys – thank you to everyone who took part. Based on this information and our own learning, we have updated and improved the support we offer, based on what Big Local areas told us they need at this point of the programme.
Bespoke support, tailored to your area’s needs
A key feature of the Make it Happen support package is the suite of support partners available to help you deliver challenging aspects of your plan. Each partner specialises in a topic you told us you wanted more support with, like assets, legal bodies, community engagement and fundraising. You can browse all our partner offers here.
We also changed our Big Local rep model in 2021 and brought in Big Local area advisors and area coordinators. They are there to help you identify the support you need to deliver your plan, deliver some of that support themselves, and share key updates and opportunities from Local Trust.
More peer learning and networking events
Our support partners run regular learning events where you can learn more about the topics they have experience with. Plus, we have a range of peer learning networking opportunities for you to get involved with, where you can learn from the experiences of other people involved in Big Local.
These events take place both online and in-person and some are recorded for you to watch back on Workplace if you can’t make them at the time.
Our events calendar makes it easier to browse what’s on offer and find an event that suits you.
Communications channels, just for Big Local areas
Make it Happen includes changes to our online channels, with the biggest change being the creation a new Big Local support centre dedicated to hosting all our Big Local guidance, support and stories.
We also have a new Make it Happen mailing just for Big Local areas where we share updates on support offers, examples of where it’s working in areas and other useful resources.
To share your own news and success stories, or ask for advice from other areas, we recommend using our internal Big Local social media platform Workplace. You can also find recordings of some of our events on Workplace.
We want to make it easier for Big Local areas to access the support they need as 2026 gets nearer.
Matt Leach
If you want an easy way to hear about the support we have available, including partner support, learning events, and networking opportunities, sign-up to our new Make it Happen mailing below.
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