Voices of Big Local

Shahee Islam is the chair of World’s End and Lots Road Big Local in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London. As they become the 100th of 150 areas to complete the Big Local programme, Shahee reflects on the last 10 years and shares how those involved plan to continue improving their diverse community.

Moorsley, a former mining village in the North East of England, is one of three communities that form the 3 Together Big Local area. Over the years, the community had lost many of its shared spaces, including the village hall. But with the help of Big Local funding, a group of residents was determined to change things – and breathe new life into the Moorsley Hut.

In Kent, Lynd Taylor, the chair of Big Local Eastern Sheppey (BLES), had a vision for turning an old police station into a hub that would connect the area’s three villages – a project that became his legacy to the community.

Big Local Eastern Sheppey celebrates a wealth of local projects that transforms a doubly disadvantaged area into a stronger, more connected community with renewed pride, purpose, and opportunity.

Donna Inwood, chair of Leecliffe Big Local, shares how talking therapies, youth groups and drama workshops are helping to improve the mental health of young people in her community.

As a partnership member of Big Local SW11, Asi Munisi has helped bring community members together to strengthen alliances and create lasting change in Battersea.

Youth centre manager Christine Pattinson led work on Distington Big Local’s play park, which opened in the summer of 2024. She shares the journey of making the 10-year project happen.

As chair of Rastrick Big Local, Amanda Caldwell has overseen projects to unite this part of the West Yorkshire community, regenerating local spaces and supporting community groups with rising energy costs.

When Yvonne Griggs left school, she was told she’d never hold down a job. Then a brain haemorrhage forced her to retire early. Now, Yvonne champions her local park and is an inspirational community leader with Birchwood Big Local, defying expectations – including her own.