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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
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
localtrust.org.uk
We each belong to a community, but why do some thrive while others struggle?

Next week, we’re exploring these questions at the All Together Now conference with @c4research.bsky.social and @theyoungfdn.bsky.social. [1/2]
Logo and text for “All Together Now: The Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness,” introduced by Local Trust, The Young Foundation, and the Economic and Social Research Council (UKRI).
October 29, 2025 at 3:06 PM
localtrust.org.uk
It’s been one month since the Community Wealth Fund announcement🎉
The government’s decision to target England’s most doubly disadvantaged neighbourhoods marks a major milestone for the Community Wealth Fund Alliance (CWFA), for which Local Trust has served as a founding member and secretariat. [1/2]
Image featuring Roshni Mistry, Senior Policy and Parliamentary Officer at Local Trust, smiling in front of a foliage backdrop. Beside is a green panel with text 'The road to the Community Wealth Fund: reflections one month on' and logos of Local Trust and National Lottery Community Fund.
October 27, 2025 at 3:17 PM
localtrust.org.uk
Is your community ready for climate change? 🌍 Last week, the UK’s Climate Change Committee warned that Britain must urgently prepare for global warming of at least 2°C above pre-industrial levels by 2050.

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Banner titled 'Practical Hope: Inspiration for community action' with an illustration of a green, sustainable house under a sun and clouds. Below is text 'Community guide to retrofit - What communities can do to share more sustainable energy, develop area-based projects, and use more sustainable practices', with the logo of TCPA at the bottom right. Illustration showing a house and a tree under rain clouds, partially submerged in water, representing flood risk. The image includes text titled "Practical Hope: Inspiration for community action" and a subtitle "Community guide to flood risk". The logo of TCPA is visible at the bottom right. Graphic titled 'Practical Hope: Inspiration for community action' featuring an illustration of a house and sun, promoting a community guide to preventing overheating and making homes cooler, with the TCPA logo at the bottom right.
October 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM
localtrust.org.uk
🤝 How do our communities shape the outcomes of our lives? Our latest paper, ‘Bridging the Divide: The Hidden Power of Social Capital to Drive Social Mobility’, examines the role of social capital in supporting social mobility across the UK.

🔗 bit.ly/3WO79pR

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A poster featuring the Local Trust and the National Network for Neighbourhood Improvement (3ni) logos. The poster reads: “Social capital and social mobility are intrinsically linked.” Below, the title says “Bridging the divide: The hidden power of social capital to drive social mobility.” It notes the date “October 2025” and includes the Community Fund logo at the bottom right. The background features an image of people at an outdoor community event with tents and buildings. The color scheme blends shades of green and blue.
October 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
localtrust.org.uk
When people feel powerless, they start looking for answers elsewhere.

We're pleased to share @right-here.org's new film that argues that the solution to ‘Broken Britain’ can be found in every neighbourhood across the country - watch how.
🔗Read the story behind the film: bit.ly/4nl0sGS
October 21, 2025 at 2:19 PM
localtrust.org.uk
In the 1980s, Thurnscoe faced high unemployment and challenges in health, education, and community cohesion after the local mine closed.

In 2010, Big Local funding helped the village begin its transformation.
Derek Bramham, long-term chair, reflects on their regeneration: https://bit.ly/46YDUqu
An image from Local Trust and Big Local. On the left, a quote reads: “I know that there are even brighter things to come for our village.” — Derek Bramham, Chair, Thurnscoe Big Local. On the right, a smiling man wearing a high-visibility vest cuts a ribbon in front of bright green outdoor gym equipment. The Community Fund logo appears in the bottom right corner.
October 20, 2025 at 3:48 PM
localtrust.org.uk
That’s a wrap on the 2025 party conference season! 🎉

It’s been an eventful few weeks for us, with activities and engagements at party conferences across the country. In our latest blog, Tilly Steward, our policy and parliamentary manager, shares three key takeaways: http://bit.ly/42LqU4X
Image for Party Conferences 2025: the highlights reel blog featuring Tilly Steward, Policy and Parliamentary Manager at Local Trust, smiling at the camera. The background is green and includes the Local Trust and Community Fund logos.
October 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM
localtrust.org.uk
They found that every area made progress against these in some way, and that this progress led to greater power and agency for the community.

As we count down to the end of the Big Local programme, this evaluation stands as a testament to its legacy - read it here: bit.ly/4hjixno

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A cover for the report "Understanding success in Big Local" by Sheffield Hallam University and Bayes Business School, published July 2024. The left side features a large quote: "If Big Local works, I believe we will not just leave community centres, street festivals, tidy gardens and profitable shops... Our legacy will be a place where people sense that we do things differently here." attributed to a Partnership member, Big Local. The right side displays the title and a colorful, abstract graphic of a network connecting icons for community, planning, and partnership.
October 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Our Bigger Story is a multimedia evaluation of Big Local.

In this report, ‘Understanding success in Big Local’, researchers evaluated the performance of 15 Big Local areas against four outcomes.

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Graphic by Local Trust titled “Four outcomes to measure success in Big Local.” The image features a green background with the Local Trust logo and slogan “trusting local people.” In the center is a report cover titled “Understanding success in Big Local: Our Bigger Story – The longitudinal multimedia evaluation of the Big Local programme” (July 2024) by Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and Bayes Business School. The cover includes circular icons representing collaboration, community, communication, and connection. At the bottom right is the National Lottery Community Fund logo. Green graphic by Local Trust with the logo and slogan “trusting local people.” The image lists four outcomes to measure success in Big Local: Communities are better able to identify local needs and take action. People have increased skills and confidence to respond to future challenges. Communities are making a difference to the priorities that matter most to them. Each area has become a better place to live. At the bottom right is the National Lottery Community Fund logo.
October 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM
localtrust.org.uk
Last week, @futuregovforum.bsky.social published ‘Mission Critical 04’ in partnership with Local Trust, exploring how government can deliver on its missions by resetting its relationship with people, starting at the neighbourhood level.

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Figure 1 shows a circular diagram titled “Our framework for effectively delivering missions at a neighbourhood level.” It illustrates a mutually reinforcing cycle of three stages: Neighbourhood outcomes — results aligned to local priorities and needs. Neighbourhood power — communities gain the ability to influence and act on local decisions. Citizen participation — residents engage actively in shaping their neighbourhoods. Arrows connect the three stages in a continuous loop: neighbourhood outcomes lead to neighbourhood power, which leads to citizen participation, which in turn strengthens neighbourhood outcomes — showing how local engagement, empowerment, and outcomes reinforce one another. The Local Trust and Future Governance Forum logos are visible at the top. igure 2 shows a circular diagram titled “A vicious cycle of outcomes set with little regard to neighbourhood needs, creating little need for neighbourhoods to have power, and so limited desire to participate in democratic processes.” The cycle includes three main stages connected by arrows: A) Outcomes set nationally, with little regard to neighbourhood needs. Supporting text: “Neighbourhoods do not need decision-making powers as their role is to implement policy decided nationally.” The Local Trust and Future Governance Forum logos are visible at the top. B) Neighbourhoods have limited power but also limited capacity to wield it. Supporting text: “Efforts to increase participation are viewed as tokenistic since they are not linked to powers to make change happen.” C) People are cynical about participating in democratic processes. Supporting text: “Disconnection between nationally-set outcomes and neighbourhood-level need feeds cynicism about politics.” Arrows link each stage in a continuous loop, illustrating how national-level decision-making, limited local power, and citizen cynicism reinforce one another in a negative cycle. Figure 3 shows a circular diagram titled “A proposal for a virtuous cycle of outcomes aligned to neighbourhood priorities, neighbourhoods with power, and greater participation.” The cycle has three main stages connected by arrows: A) Neighbourhoods are at the heart of government efforts to improve outcomes. Supporting text: “Neighbourhoods can meaningfully play a role in policy-making if they actually have the powers to enact policy.” B) Neighbourhoods can effectively wield power, enabled by an ecosystem of support. Supporting text: “Participation is more meaningful if attached to power to make change happen.” C) People participate more in democratic processes. Supporting text: “Citizen participation ensures that neighbourhood priorities are well understood, so that policy-making is more responsive to actual needs.” Arrows connect each stage in a continuous loop, illustrating how empowered neighbourhoods, meaningful participation, and responsive policy-making reinforce one another in a positive cycle. The Local Trust and Future Governance Forum logos are visible at the top.
October 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM