• Programmes

    Programmes

    A series of projects sharing what worked in the Big Local programme and why, and supporting the Big Local legacy in the communities that were involved.

    Beacon areas

    Supporting connections between community organisations continuing resident-led action beyond Big Local

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    Health inequalities

    Supporting community-led health and wellbeing approaches to tackle health inequalities

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    Learning and events

    Explore community development learning programmes and events

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  • News and blogs

    News and blogs

    The latest news and blogs from Local Trust, Big Local and beyond, exploring community power and resident-led change

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    The latest news and announcements from Local Trust

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    Blogs

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

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Blogs

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

featured
March 2026
Social Prescribing Day: strengthening health through community

On Social Prescribing Day, it’s time to spotlight an often overlooked...
Community spirit Health and wellbeing
blog
Man and two women standing outside a conference centre smiling at the camera, holding up a bag which says 'Make it happen. Big Local'.
Community spirit
Big Local is ending – but the legacy of resident-led change continues

When Big Local launched 15 years ago, it handed 150 neighbourhoods...
blog
Group sitting in park with backs to the camera. They look onto a community festival.
Community spirit
What Big Local stories teach us about community-led change

In this blog, Community Pride Podcast host Kayla Jones reflects on...
blog
Three illustrated maps of Brinnington displayed on a brick wall. show local landmarks, wildlife, walking routes, and points of interest, including a historical map of the area. A banner above the maps reads 'With thanks to the residents and local partners in the That Counts in Brinnington forum and the wider Brinnington community', established November 2021.
Community spirit
Preparing for crisis: How to build community capacity

When crisis hits, communities that are already connected, resourced and organised...
blog
An adult woman leans over two girls sitting at a table as they draw and decorate craft materials with colorful markers. The table is covered with art supplies, and other children can be seen in the background of a busy indoor activity space
Community spirit
Youth matters: what Big Local taught us about supporting young people

When local authority youth services fell, Big Local communities stepped in...
blog
Three women look at items on a table at a community event, with a LivingWell banner in the background
Community spirit Equality, diversity and inclusion
Working collaboratively: What our ancestors – and Big Local – teach us

This blog explores how the Big Local programme embedded inclusive collaboration...
blog
A painted wooden fence decorated with spring flowers in raised planters. The left side reads
Community spirit
Community-led change created by people, not programmes

Community leaders are the key ingredient of community-led change. Drawing on...
blog
A diverse group of attendees participate in a workshop session. In the foreground, a young man in a red sweatshirt and green trousers uses a wheelchair and holds papers, next to a person in a blue hoodie holding notes. Facing them, a woman with bright pink hair in an orange jumper speaks to the group, with a flipchart beside her. Other attendees are seated on chairs around the room, listening and taking notes.
Community spirit Skills
Practical lessons on involving communities in place-based research

In February, Local Trust hosted a seminar bringing together academic, community...