News from Local Trust and the Big Local programme
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Local Trust newsletter February 2018
Get inspired
A new essay, a new podcast, a feature on social entrepreneurs as well as a huge new event in June to share your stories, there's loads going in Big Local despite the snow!
Big Local Connects: 29-30 June
We’re taking a break from Spring Events in 2018. Instead, for the first time ever, we’re inviting all Big Local areas to come together in one place for two days of excitement, activity, storytelling and inspiration. Find out more and if you're interested in attending contact us.
'New seeds beneath the snow?'
We’ve been commissioning independent thinkers and writers to go out to Big Local areas and explore big ideas through the lens of local areas’ experiences. The latest is by Julian Dobson, who writes about aspirations and achievements of Big Local areas in Merseyside, Lincoln and Telford, placing them in the context of previous experiences of community development, decline and revitalisation. Read the essay. Read the blog.
Episode 1: Big Local in context
This month, we released our first ever Big Local podcast! Narrated by Julian Dobson, author of the essay 'New seeds beneath the snow?' it explores issues highlighted in his recent essay. It’s our first go at something like this and would welcome your views and feedback. Listen now.
Enterprising Communities
Are we doing all we can to support entrepreneurial people in communities who make a genuine, lasting difference? UnLtd's recent conference in partnership with Local Trust, attended by Big Local areas from across the country, raised this challenge and sought answers from communities around the UK and overseas. Read the blog.
New opportunities to learn and develop
Following on from our announcement last month about the introduction of new learning clusters for Big Local areas, we have updated information on location and format - thank you for your feedback. Find out more.
Learning cluster: Better |
Learning cluster: Addressing youth violenceShare your challenges and develop solutions with support Tuesday 17 April 10:00am - 4:00pm. 4 sessions over the year. Location TBD. Book now. |
Resident blogger: How a plan for new housing is saving green spaces in Lincoln
“I really think Diamond Park is a special place, it’s peaceful and warming – which isn’t something you’d expect to see in the middle of an area like Birchwood. I think the work we’re doing is a great way to capture hearts and minds in the area."
Yvonne Griggs went from being a dog owner dismayed by the state of her local park to chair of Birchwood Big Local’s parks and green spaces subgroup. Read the blog.
Are you interested in the relationship between councils and Local Trust areas?
The Local Trust and NLGN are conducting a research into the challenges and future relationship between councils, local communities and Big Local areas. As part of this research, we will be holding a workshop to explore these issues. We encourage you to share your experiences and join us in the discussion by signing up to attend this workshop which will take place on Friday 8th of June at the Birmingham Library from 11am to 4pm. To sign up, please send an email to rsvp@nlgn.org.uk.
Civil society strategy: have your say
Have your say on how government can work with and for civil society to tackle challenges and unlock opportunities to build a stronger society now and in the future. Local Trust will be making the case for strengthening local control of decision making and funding, using Big Local as an important example of this in practice. It would be great if Big Local areas had their say.
This consultation closes at 9am on 22 May 2018. Take part.
Film of the month: Newington Halloween disco 2017
In sympathy with everyone being assailed by the 'Beast from the East', we thought now would be a good time to check out monsters from one of our eastern-most Big Local's with this fun video of Halloween in Newington.
Do you want your Big Local film featured here? Tag us on social media, or just drop us an e-mail.
In 2016 78% of participants strongly agreed or agreed that Big Local is giving residents more control over what happens in their areas The next National Survey of Big Local Partnership Members opens 1 May 2018 - get ready to tell us your views.
