National economic growth doesn’t always reach the neighbourhoods that need it most. Senior quantitative researcher Jack Loughnane explores how Big Local communities took matters into their own hands — building local enterprises, reviving vacant spaces, and making the economy work for the people who live there.
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Pride in Place Event Series: Glasgow
This event is your opportunity to find out more about the Pride in Place programme from MHCLG, connect with…
blog Apr 2026
Community spirit
Culture and creativity
How Big Local built a legacy of place-based pride
As the Big Local programme draws to a close, the legacy of place-based pride it has built across 150 communities will continue. Whether through annual street festivals, murals celebrating local heritage, or young people co-producing films about their lived experiences, residents have shown time and again that pride in place grows when communities are trusted to lead.
blog Apr 2026
Community spirit
“The community feels prouder to live in Sale West”
After the birth of her daughter, Clare Standish was searching for flexible work which led her to Our Sale West Big Local. She reflects on a decade of change in Sale West, from a neglected park and empty youth centre to a thriving community hub recognised across Greater Manchester as a model of good practice.
research Health and wellbeing
Neighbourhood health and local government
This report summarises insights from the policy sprint which explores how neighbourhood health can reshape public services by shifting power to communities.
News Mar 2026
Community spirit
The legacy continues – over 120 local community organisations will carry forward the impact of the Big Local programme
Communities across England will continue to benefit from the Big Local programme for years to come, as more than…
blog Mar 2026
Community spirit
Health and wellbeing
Social Prescribing Day: strengthening health through community
On Social Prescribing Day, it’s time to spotlight an often overlooked approach to health. By connecting people to community support, social prescribing tackles the root causes of poor wellbeing—helping people live healthier lives while easing pressure on frontline services.
blog Mar 2026
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 across England £1m each — and, more importantly, the freedom to decide how to spend it. Now that the programme is coming to an end, Local Trust CEO Rachel Rowney reflects on what residents built, why it worked, and how the idea behind it is shaping the future of community funding.
blog Mar 2026
Community spirit
What Big Local stories teach us about community-led change
In this blog, Community Pride Podcast host Kayla Jones reflects on what she learned from capturing Big Local experiences, and what they show about building lasting community pride and impact.