Message from Debbie Ladds

In May we travelled around England, meeting residents and workers from the Big Local areas at the spring events. I’ve been blogging about what’s been happening and what we’ve been learning on the way here.

If you weren’t able to attend the spring events we’ve uploaded the presentations and information from the day to our website, and will be keeping you informed of other opportunities to share learning with other Big Local areas. In response to what we’ve heard we will also be posting up stories and examples of how other Big Local areas are approaching the steps on the pathway in the next few weeks.

I know that lots of you have plans for the Jubilee weekend, including community festivals, fun-days and Big Lunches and how you might use it as an opportunity to get even more people involved. One of the things I have taken away from the spring events is the importance of food in getting people together, sharing their ideas and aspirations. We’ll be blogging on this soon.

Debbie Ladds, chief executive, Local Trust

What is happening in Big Local areas?

Many of our Big Local areas are creating videos to talk about their aspirations for Big Local in their area. Here are some examples from Littlemoor , Whitton Whitehouse and Castle Hill (Ipswich),Priory Court estate, William Morris Ward, and Allenton. Lots more photos, stories and videos are being posted on our Facebook page. Have a look and tell us what you think.

Whitley Bay held its first public meeting on 15th May. Over 70 people attended to hear about Big Local but also to start mapping and visioning the area, using photographs and maps. VODA the local CVS was supported to become the ‘local trusted organisation’ and the first Interim Steering group was arranged for 31st May with many of those who attended wanting to be further involved. The atmosphere was very positive with great enthusiasm by local residents to be involved in some way with Big Local – they were even queuing to get in the door!

Lumbertubs, Lings and Blackthorn are organising a Fish and Chips Lunch followed by a Magic Show for residents of Arbury Road. The event will help to inform the residents about Big Local and give an opportunity to discuss ideas around improvements to the area.

Kingsbrook and Cauldwell organised a day-long Big Local Roadshow with a community bus visiting different parts of their Big Local area, including the schools and the park. This was another opportunity for the local people to find out more about Big Local, how to get involved and to contribute their ideas on making Kingsbrook and Cauldwell an even better place to live.

The residents of Conniburrow, Milton Keynes organised a newspaper and radio interviews to promote Big Local. Young people supported by adult residents shared their ideas and thoughts about Big Local on BBC Radio Three Counties.

Kingswood Big Local area in Corby encompasses two distinct estates within its boundary: Kingswood and Hazel Leys. A community drop-in day was organised and ran in each community centre to engage the residents from both estates. A follow up joint public meeting for residents of both estates was held in a central location. A talking wall was used at all these events to get people’s views on what needs to be improved in the area.

“A Big Lunch can be anything from a few neighbours getting together in the garden or on the street, to a full blown street party with food, music and decoration that quite literally stops the traffic”. This is a good opportunity to promote Big Local in your area, get to know more people in your community and start the Big Local conversation.

101 Big Local things to do, 51 and counting! Have a look at our blog on how to make our local areas even better places to live in. We hope to reach 101 in time for our next newsletter.

Send us your stories and materials that you think other areas might find useful. You can email us, or tell us about it on Facebook or twitter.