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localtrust.org.uk
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
Today, on #InternationalVolunteersDay, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers who have shaped the Big Local programme over the past 15 years. None of what Big Local has achieved would've been possible without their commitment & the time they have given to make change happen.
Thank you!
December 5, 2025 at 11:51 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Ahead of International Volunteers Day, we are celebrating volunteers everywhere who give their time and skills to make their communities better places to live.

We asked Local Trust staff a simple question - why do you think volunteering is so important?

Here is what they told us. 👇
December 4, 2025 at 12:24 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Volunteering sits at the heart of resident-led change. With an estimated 6,500 volunteers involved in activities and services funded through Big Local, the breadth of community-led action taking place across the programme is apparent. [1/2]
A report cover featuring the logos “Local Trust – trusting local people” and “ERS Research & Consultancy” at the top, with the title “Volunteering and Big Local: Who volunteers in Big Local communities, what they do, and why” displayed on a green banner over a photo of a community garden where several adults are working and talking among raised planting beds.
December 3, 2025 at 11:15 AM
localtrust.org.uk
What followed helped her rebuild confidence, reconnect with others and rediscover what she wanted for her future. This story is a testament to how volunteering can change lives – for those who give their time, and for those they support. Read it in full, in Vicky’s own words: bit.ly/4iyceNi
A green graphic with the Local Trust and Big Local logos at the top left and the Community Fund logo at the bottom right. Centered on the image is a white-outlined speech bubble containing the text: “It has been brilliant to see Vicky involved with Northwood Together. It has brought her out of her shell. I am so proud of what she has done.” Below it reads: “Kathy Birchall, Vicky’s mum.”
December 2, 2025 at 1:26 PM
localtrust.org.uk
After a series of bereavements, Vicky Williamson’s mental health had deteriorated and she struggled to get out of bed. One day, as she walked past the community centre housing Northwood Together, chair Debi O’Shea saw her and invited her in for a cup of tea. [2/3]
A graphic split into two sections showing a smiling woman with light skin and brown hair standing against a brick wall on the right, and a bright green background with text on the left. The text reads: “I would like to say a big thank you to (Northwood Together) for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.” Below it: “Vicky Williamson, Partnership member, Northwood Together.” Logos for Local Trust, Big Local, and the Community Fund appear in the corners.
December 2, 2025 at 1:25 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Over a decade of delivering Big Local. What have we really learnt?
In this article, our policy & parliamentary manager Tilly Steward shares four crucial lessons about community power in practice. We hope it offers a helpful starting point for future discussion on community-led change: bit.ly/4oj8Kzm
Alt text: A promotional graphic with a bright green left panel displaying the Local Trust logo. The text reads "Community power in practice: four lessons from the Big Local programme. Tilly Steward, Policy and parliamentary manager, Local Trust,” alongside a right-side photo of a smiling woman with short brown hair and glasses wearing a navy top.
November 27, 2025 at 1:42 PM
localtrust.org.uk
As Big Local approaches its close in March 2026, we’re reflecting on the moments and insights that will define its legacy.

In our new video series, residents, workers, and partners reflect on what they’ve built, what they’ve learnt, and the legacy of the programme.

Watch now: bit.ly/3KbERDi
November 26, 2025 at 10:53 AM
localtrust.org.uk
In our latest guest article, Professor Sarah Pearson, Director @c4research.bsky.social and Dean of Research Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Sheffield Hallam University, shares reflections on the recent All Together Now conference: bit.ly/3LYPHgj
Graphic with a green gradient background featuring the Local Trust logo (“Local Trust trusting local people”) and text reading “All Together for Community Connectedness: How research strengthens social connection. Professor Sarah Pearson, Director, C4.” On the right is a woman smiling, standing in a bright indoor atrium; the Community Fund logo appears in the top right corner.
November 24, 2025 at 4:45 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Empowering young people starts here 🌱

Our community action plan provides practical advice to help young people lead in decision-making. It also features tips from youth volunteers at Heston West Big Local and other examples of successful youth engagement: bit.ly/49s9Tkt
A group of smiling young people wearing matching yellow “Heston West Community Partnership” T-shirts pose together, with one person holding up a phone to take a photo, against a pink graphic background displaying the Local Trust logo and the text “Giving power to young people through youth engagement: A Community Action Plan.”
November 21, 2025 at 3:43 PM
localtrust.org.uk
🎉Two weeks ago, Toynbee Hall was buzzing with ideas, energy & conversation at the All Together Now conference.

We had the opportunity to speak with community practitioners and researchers who shared their thoughts on what it really takes to build stronger, more connected communities - take a look!
November 20, 2025 at 2:56 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Across the country, more than 100 legacy organisations have emerged from Big Local areas. In this video, we asked residents, workers and partners to share reflections on the legacy Big Local is leaving in their communities. [2/2]

🎥Watch it here:
November 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Is the budget just another ‘fiscal event’ that can’t give us what we need?

As the much-anticipated Autumn budget approaches, our head of policy and communications @maddiejennings.bsky.social reflects on what it can – or can’t – do for disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

🔗 bit.ly/4p7vaEs
A split-image graphic features a bright green left panel with the Local Trust logo on the top left, followed by “Another ‘fiscal event’ that can’t give us what we need,” and at the bottom, “Madeleine Jennings Head of policy and communications, Local Trust,” along with three dots and a pencil icon. The right panel shows a smiling woman with long light-brown hair, wearing patterned earrings, a light top, and a dark blazer, with the National Lottery Community Fund logo in the lower-right corner.
November 17, 2025 at 3:37 PM
localtrust.org.uk
In 2010, Par Bay Big Local was established to support three Cornish villages that were facing tough challenges: the decline of local industry, high unemployment, and weakened community connections.

Today, their story is one of transformation and pride.

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Image of Sonia Clyne, Chair of Par Bay Big Local, smiling while gardening. Quote on image reads: 'There's so much happening here now and a real feeling of optimism, community and looking after each other.' Logo of National Lottery Community Fund in the corner.
November 14, 2025 at 11:30 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Strengthening social capital isn’t just good for society – it’s smart economics.

This year, we released our Social Capital 2025 series with @demos-uk.bsky.social and 3ni, which explored one of the most important factors in explaining economic growth & health in societies: social capital.

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November 13, 2025 at 11:20 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Social capital is back on the policy agenda 🎯

The Government’s emerging neighbourhoods policy provides an opportunity to rebuild social capital, particularly in areas where community activity and local infrastructure are most lacking.

But what will it take to turn ideas into action?

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Green graphic with the Local Trust logo, and dark text that reads, “Three key recommendations for policymakers to strengthen community connectedness.” At the bottom right is the National Lottery Community Fund logo, featuring a hand with crossed fingers icon and the text “COMMUNITY FUND.” A right-pointing arrow appears in the lower left corner. Green graphic with the Local Trust logo and dark text that reads: “1. Provide long-term investment in community-led social infrastructure. 2. Develop consistent neighbourhood governance structures. 3. Provide opportunities for young people.” The National Lottery Community Fund logo with a hand and crossed fingers icon and the text “COMMUNITY FUND” appears in the bottom right corner.
November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
localtrust.org.uk
“I’ve developed as a person, a community leader—something I never envisioned myself being.”
For 15 years, Big Local has been transforming communities & empowering residents to lead change in the places they live. In our latest film, residents & partners share how this has shaped who they are today.👇
November 10, 2025 at 10:31 AM
localtrust.org.uk
In St Matthew’s Big Local, residents have shown what’s possible when communities lead change. They’ve transformed an estate once known for anti-social behaviour into a safer, more connected neighbourhood - a powerful example of what the Pride in Place strategy aims to achieve.
Watch their story👇
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November 7, 2025 at 3:16 PM
localtrust.org.uk
✨ It was great to hear so many inspiring voices at the All Together Now Conference on Wednesday!
Local Trust’s Tash Meldrum & Millie Dessent led a session on building connected communities, with Taz Virdee from Heston West Big Local sharing how they’ve brought people together. 💚
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A person is seated on a chair indoors, leaning slightly forward with hands clasped while speaking. They are wearing a black head covering, a black coat over a white shirt, light gray pants, and black lace-up boots. A group of people sit at wooden tables in a conference or classroom setting, appearing focused and attentive. In the foreground, one person types on a tablet while another looks toward the front with a laptop open beside a coffee cup. Several others in the background listen, take notes, or rest their heads on their hands. Most attendees wear name badges on purple lanyards.
November 7, 2025 at 10:21 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Toynbee Hall for the All Together Now conference! It was inspiring to be part of conversations around community connection from so many perspectives.

We’ll be reflecting on what we’ve learned and sharing highlights from the day soon, so stay tuned.
Image of speakers participating in a panel session at the C4 conference. Image of people in the audience at C4 conference Image of Local Trust CEO Rachel Rowney giving a speech at C4 Conference Image of two people chatting at C4 conference
November 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
localtrust.org.uk
If you’re passionate about community connectedness, we’ll be sharing key insights and learnings on what makes collaboration across communities truly work, so stay tuned!

Read more about the conference and its themes here: bit.ly/3LnBCZw

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Graphic titled “All Together Now – Introducing the Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness.” The design features overlapping circles in shades of blue, purple, and teal. At the bottom are logos for Local Trust (“trusting local people”), The Young Foundation, The Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness, and the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council.
November 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Our policy and parliamentary officer, Natasha Meldrum, explores the building blocks that can strengthen connection and inclusion in our neighbourhoods.

Read the blog here: bit.ly/3XaQUU1

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A split green and photo graphic. On the left side, dark green text reads: “Local Trust trusting local people” and “One route to building more connected communities? Social capital.” Below, smaller text says, “Natasha Meldrum Policy and parliamentary officer, Local Trust.” The National Lottery Community Fund logo appears in the bottom right. On the right side is a photo of a smiling woman with long dark hair and glasses, wearing a pink plaid dress over a black top, standing indoors.
November 4, 2025 at 2:15 PM
localtrust.org.uk
📢 "Cohesion policy should unlock the community-based organisations that offer connection, a shared identity & a broader focus on community life"
Our latest policy spotlight outlines how social capital builds more connected communities & must be rooted in the future of cohesion policy: bit.ly/4qI3Iic
A green square graphic with dark green text that reads, “Three ways to support the development of social capital.” In the top left corner, white text says “Local Trust trusting local people.” In the bottom right corner is the National Lottery Community Fund logo. A right-pointing arrow appears to the left of the main text. A green square graphic with dark green and white text. At the top left, it says “Local Trust trusting local people.” Below, three bolded headings with explanations read: “Social infrastructure – the spaces, places and connections in communities.” “Collective efficacy – the shared belief that communities can work together to achieve change.” “Equitable access to opportunities – equal access to opportunities and services - like housing, employment, education and healthcare.” The National Lottery Community Fund logo appears in the bottom right corner. A green square graphic with dark green and white text. At the top left, it says “Local Trust trusting local people.” The main text reads: “To learn more, read our new report: Policy spotlight 3: How investing in social capital builds cohesive communities.” Below is a dark green rounded rectangle containing the web address “localtrust.org.uk/policy-spotlight-3.” The National Lottery Community Fund logo appears in the bottom right corner.
November 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM
localtrust.org.uk
To the northeast of Wolverhampton sit two distinct estates - the Scotlands and Bushbury Hill. Divided by a road, as well as a period of history and mistrust, they’re now finding common ground thanks to the remarkable pink ladies - volunteers at the Big Venture Centre. [1/2]
November 3, 2025 at 3:51 PM
localtrust.org.uk
In our new video series, Big Local residents, workers and partners reflect on their proudest achievements, the lessons learned, and the impact Big Local will leave in their communities.

🎥Watch the first film to see the impact Big Local has had on the lives of those who made it happen:

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October 31, 2025 at 11:26 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Our paper ‘Bridging the divide’, released with 3ni, explores how strengthening social capital at the neighbourhood level can boost social mobility.

But what are the different types of social capital ,and how do they connect to social mobility? https://bit.ly/3JxBXrX
Graphic explaining the concept of social capital. The image includes three key points: "Bonding social capital" refers to relationships among family and friends; "Bridging social capital" links people from diverse social backgrounds; "Linking social capital" connects communities with institutions and authorities. The image is branded with the logo for the National Network for Neighborhood Improvement at the top right. Infographic explaining the difference between formal and informal social capital, presented by Local Trust and 3ni. Describes formal social capital as structured, participational involvements in associations, institutions, or civic organizations, and informal social capital as organic, evolving through everyday interactions with friends, family, and colleagues. Infographic explaining types of social capital. "Structural social capital refers to activities that create mutual support and involvement in community networks." "Cognitive social capital is more personal, reflecting a network's shared values, support and trust activities in times of need." Logos for Local Trust and National Network for Neighborhood Improvement are present. Infographic explaining two types of social capital. Individual social capital is described as networks and support from personal relationships. Community-wide social capital refers to networks that enhance shared challenges and promote cohesion. The image includes logos for Local Trust and 3ni.
October 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM