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Local Trust
@localtrust.org.uk
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Supporting people to do brilliant things in their communities #BigLocal #CreativeCivicChange Secretariat for the Community Wealth Fund - bsky.app/profile/commwealthfund.bsky.social
localtrust.org.uk
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localtrust.org.uk
Local Trust @localtrust.org.uk · Nov 18
We’re happy to be on Bluesky! Find out what makes the #BigLocal funding programme so unique – and sign up for regular updates from us – at localtrust.org.uk/big-local/ab...
About Big Local
Through Big Local, 150 areas across England were enabled to create lasting change in their neighbourhoods over 10 to...
localtrust.org.uk
localtrust.org.uk
2.3 million people in England still live in ‘doubly disadvantaged’ neighbourhoods without access to community-run buildings or other key local assets. Big Local has shown how vital these are to neighbourhood renewal.
So why are so many communities still living without access to these spaces?
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Green graphic with the Local Trust logo and the New Local logo. Large text reads “Community buildings: strong foundations for renewal” with “Alistair Ross and Grace Pollard, New Local” and a “Read now” button; on the right is a publication cover repeating the title and authors, dated “February 2026,” over a photo of a community building, and the National Lottery Community Fund logo appears at the bottom right.
February 2, 2026 at 9:47 AM
localtrust.org.uk
In this blog, our head of policy and communications, @maddiejennings.bsky.social sets out why we are proud to support @right-here.org's Blueprint for community-powered neighbourhood governance. She also also explores six principles that underpin community-powered governance - read it below👇
January 30, 2026 at 1:41 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Big Local began in 2010 as one of the UK’s boldest funding experiments, giving 150 communities time, trust and resources to lead local change on their own terms.

Explore the Big Local timeline, featuring the milestones and moments that shaped the programme: https://bit.ly/4keehqM
January 30, 2026 at 11:24 AM
localtrust.org.uk
New evidence: 150 areas, 15 years, £200m invested.

Learning from Big Local offers one of the most comprehensive overviews on how long-term, trust-based funding can empower communities.

🧠 Browse the articles answering key questions about Big Local here → https://bit.ly/49XlB5e
A graphic headed with the Local Trust and Big Local logos reads, “Explore all our Q&A articles at,” followed by three Q&A article listings titled: “How did Big Local partnerships respond to the cost of living crisis in their communities?”, “What was the role of paid workers in Big Local?”, and “How was Big Local designed to keep communities in control?”, each with a thumbnail image on the right. At the bottom, large text reads “Learning from Big Local,” above the URL “www.learningfrombiglocal.org.uk,” with a search icon and the National Lottery Community Fund logo in the bottom-right corner.
January 29, 2026 at 1:30 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Can a charitable mission succeed without engaging those in power? Our head of policy & communications @maddiejennings.bsky.social recently appeared on the @thirdsector.co.uk podcast, where she shared why real change needs relationships as well as evidence.

🎧 Listen now: https://bit.ly/49LA5q7
January 28, 2026 at 3:47 PM
localtrust.org.uk
How did one community come together to save a hundred-year-old library?
In Rastrick, West Yorkshire, more than 750 residents voted to protect their local library. Working alongside the community, the Rastrick Big Local allocated £65,000 of funding to restore period elements & make it accessible.
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Interior of a community café-style space with round tables, chairs, bunting and string lights, decorated for Christmas; a Christmas tree stands on the left. Text reads ‘Local Trust | Big Local’, ‘Rastrick Big Local’, and ‘In 2012, Rastrick Big Local was awarded £1,199,500 in Big Local funding.’ The National Lottery Community Fund logo appears in the bottom right. View of a stone public library building with bunting, steps and a memorial pillar in the foreground, surrounded by trees and pathways. Overlaid text reads ‘Local Trust | Big Local’ and ‘By saving the library, expanding the cricket club and creating an intergenerational community garden, Rastrick Big Local left a lasting legacy of better community spaces.’ The National Lottery Community Fund logo appears in the bottom right. Wooden building beside a sports field with the words ‘RASTRICK JUNIOR FC’ on the wall and a defibrillator mounted to the right. Overlaid text reads ‘Local Trust | Big Local’ and ‘The partnership strengthened community ties and built a network of local organisations, making Rastrick more resilient.’ The National Lottery Community Fund logo appears in the bottom right Wooden building beside a sports field with the words ‘RASTRICK JUNIOR FC’ on the wall and a defibrillator mounted to the right. Overlaid text reads ‘Local Trust | Big Local’ and ‘The partnership strengthened community ties and built a network of local organisations, making Rastrick more resilient.’ The National Lottery Community Fund logo appears in the bottom right
January 28, 2026 at 11:15 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Did Big Local work?

Today, we’re sharing ‘Civic rewilding: Applying the lessons from Big Local’, produced with @kinship.works. The report tells the story of Big Local, reflecting on what it achieved over 15 years in 150 neighbourhoods across England, and how.

Read it here: https://bit.ly/49IGjqH
Green slide with text reading “Local Trust trusting local people” and “Civic rewilding: Applying the lessons from Big Local.” A report cover on the right shows illustrated trees, people, birds, and blocks under a sun, with text “CIVIC REWILDING: Applying the lessons from Big Local” and “A practical guide,” plus logos for Kinship Works, Local Trust, and The National Lottery Community Fund. Green slide with the Local Trust logo and the heading “What did Big Local do?” Body text states, “Big Local followed the philosophy that with time, trust and resources, communities can develop the capacity to improve social outcomes for themselves,” with Kinship Works and National Lottery Community Fund logos. Green slide with the Local Trust logo and the heading “How did Big Local do it?” Body text explains that long-term funding enabled holistic, relational, and preventative local action shaped by deep knowledge of local needs and assets, with Kinship Works and National Lottery Community Fund logos. Green slide with the Local Trust logo and the heading “What does this mean for future investment in places?” Body text describes the approach as “civic rewilding,” creating conditions for organic, locally rooted civic life to grow, deepen, and spread, with Kinship Works and National Lottery Community Fund logos.
January 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM
localtrust.org.uk
“After 15 years, 150 communities, & over £200m invested, we know more than ever about how real community power is built - and sustained.”
In this blog, our CEO Rachel Rowney reflects on the launch of Learning for Big Local & sets out why the lessons from Big Local matter now: https://bit.ly/4pZxwFC
Slide with a pale blue background and a portrait on the right of a smiling woman wearing a beige blazer and white top. Text on the left reads, “Local Trust | Big Local,” followed by the title “Learning from Big Local: evidence from 15 years of community-led change,” and below, “Rachel Rowney, Chief executive, Local Trust,” with a National Lottery Community Fund logo in the bottom right.
January 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM
localtrust.org.uk
🚀 It’s here.

Launching today: Learning from Big Local - a new website with 15 years of lessons from community-led change.

Explore research and stories from 150 hyper-local areas - this is your resource for community-led change.

Visit the website: https://bit.ly/4rbcuop
January 26, 2026 at 9:30 AM
localtrust.org.uk
“Back in 2024, I started working on a project to capture what 150 communities taught us about leading change where they live. Next week, we finally get to share it with the world.”
Chloe Juliette, research manager, Local Trust.

26 January - sign up to be the first to know: https://bit.ly/4pTcA2U
Graphic with a blue header reading “Local Trust | Big Local,” the large date “26 January 2026,” and a search bar containing the text “How to build community-led change?”. Below are three photos: a diverse group of adults smiling around a cake, families outdoors holding balloon animals, and an adult assisting two children with crafts at a table; the bottom-right corner shows the “National Lottery Community Fund” logo.
January 23, 2026 at 4:13 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Putting power back into residents' hands couldn’t be more urgent.
New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements are being shaped now. Done right, they could shift power to communities.
Our briefing with @right-here.org, @hopenothate.org.uk, & @powertochange.org.uk sets out how: https://bit.ly/3LYgzxi
Bright pink poster with large white text reading “A Blueprint for Community-Powered Neighbourhood Governance.” Below are multiple logos of organisations: We're Right Here, Hope not Hate, Locality, Power to Change, and Local Trust, with a faded grayscale image of people walking along a high street at the bottom.
January 22, 2026 at 12:27 PM
localtrust.org.uk
As we get ready to share some big news next week, watch this short film that brings together reflections from residents, workers and partners on the legacy Big Local is leaving in their communities.
🎥 https://bit.ly/49VgZg6

✉️ Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know: https://bit.ly/49Oc00D
January 21, 2026 at 4:48 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Too many debates about what’s ‘broken’ in the UK focus on systems and institutions - not the people living with the consequences.
@jamestplunkett.bsky.social's latest blog draws on research on Big Local, highlighting what becomes possible when residents are trusted with time, resources and trust.
Green graphic with the logo “Local Trust” and large text reading “Three phases to strengthen civic life and community-led renewal,” followed by “Based on James Plunkett’s analysis of the Big Local programme.” On the right is a black-and-white portrait of a man wearing glasses, with a right-pointing arrow and the “National Lottery Community Fund” logo in the bottom right. Green slide with the logo text “Local Trust trusting local people” at top left and the heading “Phase 1: Protect local space.” Body text reads, “A programme carves out and protects local space in communities.” An icon of a hand holding a plant appears on the right, with the “National Lottery Community Fund” logo at the bottom right. Green slide with the logo text “Local Trust trusting local people” at top left and the heading “Phase 2: The community instinct.” Body text reads, “Communities step into the space the programme has created, using the money and freedom to do work they care about.” An icon of three people held by two hands appears on the right, with the “National Lottery Community Fund” logo at the bottom right. Green slide with the logo text “Local Trust trusting local people” at top left and the heading “Phase 3: Deepening and spreading.” Body text reads, “Over time, this work deepens and spreads beyond the immediate neighbourhood, influencing wider networks, institutions or movements.” An icon of an open book with arrows pointing outward appears on the right, with the “National Lottery Community Fund” logo at the bottom right.
January 20, 2026 at 3:45 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Over the past 15 years, residents in 150 Big Local areas have led decisions to transform their communities. They've been learning how long-term change grows from trust, time, and local leadership.

Next week, we will share the culmination of that learning – stay tuned.
January 19, 2026 at 4:06 PM
localtrust.org.uk
We're delighted to see Angie Buss recognised in the New Year Honours for her outstanding leadership of Blackpool’s Revoelution Big Local.
Revoe is the second most deprived area in England, & Angie’s work has helped change how residents experience their neighbourhood.
Read how: https://bit.ly/3NgkQwy
A green graphic with a photo on the right of an older woman with long grey hair smiling while seated on a wooden bench in a garden, wearing a black jacket and black-and-white patterned trousers. On the left, the “Local Trust Big Local" logo appears, followed by text "Under Angie Buss’s guidance, Revoelution Big Local has shown what long-term, resident-led investment can achieve. Congratulations Angie!” with a “National Lottery Community Fund” logo at the bottom.
January 16, 2026 at 4:16 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Yesterday, Tanya Vice, Project Manager at Heart of Sidley Community Association, gave evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee at a session for their inquiry into community cohesion.

Listen to her insights on how youth services can be designed to create community cohesion 👇
January 15, 2026 at 2:06 PM
localtrust.org.uk
We’re spotlighting Christine Pattinson, who was recognised in this year’s New Year Honours. ⭐

Since joining the Distington Big Local partnership in 2012, Christine has helped bring residents together to deliver projects shaped by local priorities.

Read what they've achieved: https://bit.ly/4qmHkL1
A promotional graphic with a green background and the logos “Local Trust” and “Big Local” at the top left, alongside a smiling woman with light brown hair standing outdoors near a children’s playground. Text reads: “It’s been an absolute privilege to have been able to work with everyone at the Big Local and would like to thank them for believing in me and all the help and support from everyone.” Below the quote is the name “Christine Pattinson” and the line “Distington Big Local,” with a small “National Lottery Community Fund” logo in the bottom right corner.
January 14, 2026 at 5:14 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Like us, @right-here.org know what’s possible when communities have real power. They argue that The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill doesn’t go far enough to enable this.
Write to the Minister to push for changes that put power in the hands of local residents: https://bit.ly/4qWrMgR
A graphic on a white background shows a portrait of an woman with long light-blonde hair wearing a red jacket, framed by a pink oval on the left. Large black and pink text reads “WRITE TO THE MINISTER,” “Baroness Taylor, Back a Bill that delivers TRUE COMMUNITY POWER.” and a pink box at the bottom right says “WE’RE RIGHT HERE.”
January 13, 2026 at 3:49 PM
localtrust.org.uk
We're proud to celebrate Donna-Marie Inwood, recognised in this year’s New Year Honours.

Under her leadership, Leecliffe Big Local reconnected a fragmented community, creating real, measurable change for children, young people and older residents.

Find out how: https://bit.ly/4pDGGY1
Green graphic with the logos “Local Trust - Big Local” and a quote reading, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but it truly belongs to the whole Leecliffe community…. Everything we achieved was driven by residents working together, supporting one another and believing in what our community could become.” Beneath the quote is the name and title “Donna-Marie Inwood, Chair, Leecliffe Big Local,” alongside a photo of a woman wearing a black jacket with a “Leecliffe” logo, standing outdoors on grass with trees and buildings in the background; the National Lottery Commuinty Fund logo appears in the bottom right corner.
January 12, 2026 at 3:47 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Keeping it green 🌲 What role do green spaces play in building community pride?

A @moreincommonuk.bsky.social report, published at the end of last year, showed that the majority of Britons agree green spaces are a collective asset, providing opportunity to build bonds across communities. [1/2]
Graphic with a bright green background on the left and a portrait on the right of a smiling woman wearing a navy blazer and light top, standing indoors. The Local Trust logo is on the top left, followed by the headline “Why green spaces are essential to thriving social infrastructure,” and below, “Madeleine Jennings, Head of policy and communications, Local Trust,” with a pencil icon near the bottom; the bottom right corner includes the Community Fund logo.
January 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM
localtrust.org.uk
We are proud to spotlight three Big Local heroes who have been recognised in the New Year Honours List 2026: Donna-Marie Inwood from Leecliffe Big Local, Christine Pattinson from Distington Big Local and Angie Buss from Blackpool Revoe Big Local⭐
Read more about the honours: https://bit.ly/4jzbFmQ
A wide, three-panel graphic features portraits of three women outdoors, each separated by vertical green bars. In the left panel, Donna-Marie Inwood is standing in a grassy area. In the center panel, Angie Buss smiles while sitting on a bench, wearing a black jacket and black top, with leafy plants, flowers, and wooden planters behind her. In the right panel, Christine Pattinson smiles at the camera, wearing a dark floral-patterned top, with a children’s playground visible in the background. Across the bottom on a green banner, large text reads “Big Local heroes: King’s New Year Honours 2026,” and at the bottom right is the National Lottery Community Fund logo. The top left features the Local Trust | Big Local logo.
January 8, 2026 at 4:53 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Reminder!

Register now for our free learning series in February, developed for funders and civil society, in partnership with London Funders, to share 15 years of insights from delivering Big Local.

🔗https://bit.ly/3Ngd9pX
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January 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM
localtrust.org.uk
“The community built PEACH, and we had a voice. So once we had a voice, they stood up and they listened.”

With over a decade of organising with the community of Custom House and Canning Town, we’re pleased to share this film from The People's Empowerment Alliance for Custom House (PEACH).
January 5, 2026 at 1:44 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Some exciting news to start the year!

We’re thrilled that three individuals from Big Local Areas have been awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s New Years Honors, recognising the incredible impact they’ve had on their local communities.
January 2, 2026 at 2:46 PM
localtrust.org.uk
📢 Local Trust will be closed for the Christmas break from 24 December 2025, reopening and resuming normal operations on 2 January 2026.

Wishing you a restful festive season and a very happy New Year! We’ve got some big announcements coming in 2026, so stay tuned!
December 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM