Local Trust

04/06/2026

Why was Local Trust set up the way it was? Why was Big Local designed as a time-limited programme - and did that really matter? 💡

If you’ve ever asked questions like these, this article explores the thinking behind the model and what it meant in practice for Big Local areas.

It looks at:

- why the National Lottery Community Fund created Local Trust and Big Local

- what sort of funder Local Trust was, and the impact this had on Big Local

- whether being time-limited shaped the programme’s outcomes

- what effect this had on Big Local areas and partnerships.

The article reflects on the choices made at the start of the programme - and the lessons they offer for the future of community-led change. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4uq181i

03/06/2026

Volunteers helped shape what Church Hill Big Local became - and the legacy that continues today.

This , we’re celebrating the residents who gave their time, skills and energy to help strengthen their communities. One such area is Church Hill.

Church Hill Big Local found ways to keep people engaged locally, and learnt many lessons along the way. They found that residents particularly valued flexible, short-term volunteering opportunities, and that recognising people’s individual strengths helped volunteers stay involved with the wider work in their community.

Together, volunteers helped deliver activities, events and projects that brought people together and created lasting change.

See below to see just some of what they delivered - and read more about their work here: https://bit.ly/4voy0Ij

03/06/2026

“Every fortnight or so, I leave work a little early, get on my bike, turn down a lane on Brixton Hill, and enter a place most people will never go: prison.”

This , we’re reading this blog by our strategic partnerships manager, Ruby Frankland, where she describes her experience of volunteering with Prison Advice at HMP Brixton.

Ruby’s story embodies the ethos of volunteering that is at the heart of the Big Local programme. Read her blog here: https://bit.ly/43EfUGv

02/06/2026

What does it take to build genuine relationships between universities and their communities?

We’re delighted to share our new report, ‘Progress happens at the speed of trust’. Researchers Al Mathers and Bryony Vince-Myers share insights from four university-community partnerships working to build long-term, locally rooted collaboration.

The report explores the origins, development, impacts and challenges of these partnerships, examining what works, what gets in the way, and what needs to change – inside universities and beyond – if this work is to be sustained and scaled.

It was produced to inform our event being held next week, bringing together universities, community organisations, funders and policy stakeholders. We'll be sharing any useful insights and outputs following the event, so watch this space!

Read the full report at: https://bit.ly/434GR69

01/06/2026

Big Local was a volunteer-led programme that created opportunities for residents to get involved in many different ways - from sitting on the partnership, to supporting wider activities and services.

Over the course of the programme, an estimated 6,500 volunteers gave their time to support activities and services funded through Big Local.

This , we’re reflecting on how the Big Local programme supported volunteering, and sharing some of the lessons we learnt along the way.

See below to see four ways to encourage and sustain long-term volunteering - and read more about how Big Local put these ideas into practice: https://bit.ly/43E5qqz

28/05/2026

“But it’s not the only thing that grows…the plants. It’s the friendships that grow.” 🌱💚

In this podcast, Daniel Ryder from MyClubmoor Big Local speaks with fellow partnership members and local residents about Incredible Edible MyClubmoor - a community growing scheme transforming disused green spaces across Liverpool into thriving “propaganda gardens.”

These spaces provide free fruit and vegetables for local people, while putting food and growing at the heart of the community.

These spaces provide free fruit and vegetables for local people while creating opportunities for residents to connect, get involved and build a stronger sense of belonging.

🎧 Listen to the podcast for inspiration on how community growing can bring people together and transform local spaces: https://www.learningfrombiglocal.org.uk/resources/podcast-myclubmoor-what-incredible-edible-means-to-us?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-media&utm_content=post&utm_campaign=incredible_edible_podcast

27/05/2026

We're pleased to see how much Sutton on Sea Beachcare have achieved with the support of Amazing Communities Together!

Brilliant examples of community engagement and bringing people together to create an even better place to live. Congratulations!

We’re delighted to celebrate the fantastic work of Sutton On Sea Beachcare, supported through ACT and funded by Local Trust.

Through a series of community activities and events — including their Beachcare Anniversary Event and wider engagement activities — the group has continued to strengthen community connections, grow their volunteer base and create a welcoming space for people of all ages to come together.

The funding enabled Sutton On Sea Beachcare to purchase additional equipment, educational materials for young Eco Ambassadors and a lockable storage unit to support their growing work within the community.

The impact of the project has been clear, with the group reporting:
• More volunteers getting involved
• New events and activities being planned
• Stronger community relationships
• A happier, more connected team and community

One participant shared:

“Sutton Beachcare has helped to keep me motivated. It would have been a lot harder for me otherwise, so thank you.”

A huge congratulations to everyone involved at Sutton On Sea Beachcare for continuing to create such a positive impact locally, and thank you to Trust for supporting community-led activity that brings people together and strengthens local pride.

This is exactly the kind of grassroots, community-focused work we’re proud to support across the ACT network.

26/05/2026

What happens when an organisation is designed to end?

Local Trust was created with a 15-year lifespan to deliver Big Local. This shaped how we approached funding, relationships and long-term change.

In ‘A matter of time’, developed with Shared Intelligence, we explore the risks and rewards of time-limited trusts, and how this model influenced the delivery of Big Local.

Take a look below to explore the key findings and read more: https://bit.ly/49me948

22/05/2026

It’s great to see the murals of Arches Local featured in this article exploring the stories behind Luton’s public artwork 🎨

The piece gives a brilliant insight into the murals and the local history they reflect, showing how creative community projects can celebrate local identity and bring people together.

A huge shoutout to Arches Big Local and the residents, who have been spotlighted in the article as “a bunch of people with serious commitment and bold ideas. Bold ideas like painting Luton’s history on the sides of its houses…”

Read it here: https://medwayshewrote.com/the-luton-murals/

19/05/2026

How did a game of Monopoly bring together a diverse community?

In this episode of the Community Pride Podcast, host Kayla Jones speaks with Katy, plan co-ordinator for Boston Big Local, about how local heritage can bring people together and strengthen community pride.

They discuss how heritage projects can help people connect with the rich identity of their area, and become part of its ongoing story. In Boston, that included creating a local version of the Monopoly board game to encourage residents to learn more about the town’s history and notable places.

Explore how the project helped connect long-term residents and newcomers alike, creating opportunities for shared learning, conversation and belonging: https://bit.ly/4ulWqT1