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When crisis hits, communities that are already connected, resourced and organised are far better placed to respond. Local Trust researchers Lisa-Marie Giquel and Ruby Brooks share what 15 years of Big Local taught us about building the kind of community capacity that helps people weather whatever comes next.

When local authority youth services fell, Big Local communities stepped in — investing in trusted adults, welcoming spaces and volunteer pathways to ensure young people felt valued in their neighbourhoods.

Community leaders are the key ingredient of community-led change. Drawing on learning from Big Local, Georgie Burr explores how investing in resident leadership — from listening campaigns to small grants — creates the conditions for lasting transformation in communities.