What is Big Local?

Big Local is an exciting opportunity for residents in 150 areas around England to use at least £1million to make a massive and lasting positive difference to their communities. It’s about bringing together all the local talent, ambitions, skills and energy from individuals, groups and organisations who want to make their area an even better place to live.

Big Local is being run by Local Trust, which is working with over £200 million from the Big Lottery Fund and a range of partners providing expert advice and support for residents.

The four programme outcomes for Big Local are:

1.   Communities will be better able to identify local needs and take action in response to them.

2.   People will have increased skills and confidence, so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future.

3.   The community will make a difference to the needs it prioritises.

4.   People will feel that their area is an even better place to live.

What’s it not about?

It’s NOT about your local authority, the government or a national organisation telling you what to do.
It’s NOT about individual groups fixing their favourite problem without talking to a wide range of different people who live and work in the community.
It’s NOT about short-term thinking – you’ve got 10 years or more to plan and deliver the best options for your area.

Check out the Local Trust website for details of all 150 Big Local areas and other information about the programme: www.localtrust.org.uk

Big Local and Heart of Sidley

Heart of Sidley Big Local currently has an initial grant and has been working hard to achieve the targets to enable it to start accessing the £1 million allocated to it. This is called the Pathway and is illustrated below:

o    Heart of Sidley BL has developed its Partnership terms of reference and membership criteria.

o    Heart of Sidley BL has produced a Community Profile describing the area and its facilities. It includes a map of its Big Local area and its *vision and key themes identified from consultation and survey work. (*see APPENDICES)

o    A draft Community Plan and Communication Plan have been submitted to Local Trust.

The plan has been fully endorsed, and we can now draw down the allocated £1 million funding.