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Ideas and insights about Big Local and the impact of community-led change

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August 2026
Are we being ambitious enough with community-led change?

What can 15 years of Big Local teach us about community-led...
Community spirit
blog
A community event on a park green, with people sitting at white tables and deckchairs on the grass, watching a performer on an outdoor stage. Market stalls, a Riverside Radio banner, and gazebos are visible around the edges, with trees and a red-brick building in the background
Community spirit
Tried and tested: Five lessons for community-led funding programmes

What has 15 years of Big Local taught us about community-led...
blog
A woman speaking at a roundtable discussion, with other attendees listening and taking notes at a conference table with water bottles, mugs and papers.
Community spirit Power and leadership
What does ‘neighbourhood working’ look like in practice?

From neighbourhood health to social capital, this year's LGA conference kept...
blog
hree people are engaged in conversation at a community event inside a hall. In the foreground, a smiling woman shakes hands with another attendee while an older woman stands beside them, listening attentively. Other people chat in the background near large windows, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects community connection and networking.
Community spirit Health and wellbeing
The essential role of communities in a neighbourhood health service

Communities play a vital role in preventing ill health, reducing pressure...
blog
Three volunteers wearing lanyards stand and chat at the reception desk of a community library. Two women behind the desk smile as they speak with an older woman holding books and magazines. Posters promoting library activities and volunteering are displayed in the foreground, creating a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere.
Community spirit
How can politicians – local and national – best support resident-led initiatives?

As neighbourhood-level initiatives continue to grow across England, politicians have an...
blog
Two people chat in the doorway of the Par Bay community space, decorated with colourful bunting and a chalkboard sign reading
Health and wellbeing
Building neighbourhood health from the heart of six communities

What does it take to build neighbourhood health that is truly...
blog
A small group of adults stand talking together indoors at a community event or meeting. In the centre, an older woman with white hair, red glasses and an orange top is speaking, while another person holds a clipboard and takes notes; colourful bunting and posters are visible in the background.
Power and leadership
Community Needs Index: how to access and how it’s evolving

Explore how the Community Needs Index has been used, what the...
blog
Community spirit
Why the lessons from Big Local are vital for designing fairer funding programmes

As the Big Local programme ends, its lessons are shaping the...

The Local Trust website, alongside the organisation, will close in December. You can find resources, guidance and insights on Learning from Big Local.

The Local Trust website, alongside the organisation, will close in December. You can find resources, guidance and insights on Learning from Big Local.

Visit Learning from Big Local