We are Big Local: A legacy of resident-led action
For 15 years, residents in 150 communities across England have taken control of change in their neighbourhoods, building skills, strengthening connections, and creating lasting local impact.
Together, residents have:
- brought nearly 5,000 people into local leadership
- helped crime fall faster in Big Local areas
- created 200 community assets
- built 123 legacy organisations that will continue beyond the programme.
As Big Local comes to a close, this is a moment to reflect not just on what was funded but on what residents made possible.
A message from our CEO
Reflecting on 15 years of community-led change, Rachel Rowney shares what Big Local has taught us and why resident-led action matters now more than ever.
What happens when residents lead?
Watch how communities across the country turned local knowledge, lived experience and determination into lasting change.
Nearly 5,000 residents. Thousands of stories. One shared impact.
At the heart of Big Local are the people who stepped forward, many for the first time, to shape the future of their communities.
- 25% were first-time volunteers
- 84% learned from others in their community
- 79% feel proud of where they live
- 76% plan to continue volunteering
Explore stories from residents across the country and see what community-led change looks like in practice.
What residents told us about community pride
The latest series of the Community Pride Podcast sees host Kayla Jones capture stories from across Big Local areas, focusing on how community pride is built in practice. The episodes tell a story of the challenges and triumphs Big Local areas experienced, shifting the way we see the places and people around us.
Kayla has written a blog reflecting on an incredible collection of interviews, detailing how being an ‘outsider’ of Big Local helped her go on a journey with the listener whilst recording.
“I knew that podcasting could breathe life into Big Local experiences, turning a decade of community stories into an episodic tapestry of human connection.”
What we’ve learned about community-led change
Through Big Local, we’ve built one of the most comprehensive bodies of evidence on resident-led action in England. For research and insights from Big Local and its community-led funding approach, visit Learning from Big Local.