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Voices of Big Local May 2024 Community spirit Health and wellbeing Skills

‘People start walking around with their heads held high again.’

Working in a community facing severe food poverty, Northwood Together Big Local has built innovative partnerships with organisations to support local people. Here, Lisa Cover, the area’s Community Development Manager, shares how they’ve made it happen.  

Voices of Big Local May 2024 Spaces and services

‘On her birthday my daughter gets a book’

In 2018, a programme of cuts led to the closure of Ore Library in Sussex. But with funding from Big Local North East Hastings, volunteers were able to reopen the space – bringing joy and connection to local residents of all generations.

Voices of Big Local May 2024 Equality, diversity and inclusion Spaces and services

‘There was nothing locally for SEN children’

A small grant from Big Local North East Hastings enabled parents Lisa and Jamie Henderson to set up their own charity. Five years on, it’s provided vital respite and support services for nearly 200 families with children with special educational needs (SEN).

Voices of Big Local Apr 2024 Community spirit

Changemakers: Creating a legacy of community development

Chair of Par Bay Big Local, Sonia Clyne, looks back on their achievements, with projects including developing a community centre, a garden and a skatepark, and shares how her work is continuing beyond Big Local.

Voices of Big Local Mar 2024 Skills Spaces and services

‘It’s about young people’s voices’

At Newington Big Local’s popular Chill Club young people gain cooking skills, explore their creativity and connect with their community.

blog Mar 2024 Power and leadership

Why we must invest in the women supporting their communities

To mark Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the contribution of the dedicated women who volunteer across the Big Local programme – and calling for greater investment in women’s community leadership in the future.