Local trust

Local Trust: Empowering Communities to Transform Lives and Places

Local Trust is a UK-based charity that works with residents in 150 Big Local areas to help them transform their lives and the places where they live. The organization was established in 2012 with the aim of empowering communities to take control of their own destinies, and it has since become a leading voice in the community development sector.

At its core, Local Trust believes that people know best what their communities need. By providing funding, training, and support to local residents, the organization helps them develop their own solutions to local challenges. This approach is based on the principle of asset-based community development (ABCD), which emphasizes building on existing strengths rather than focusing solely on problems.

One of Local Trust's key initiatives is the Big Local program. This program provides long-term funding (over ten years) for 150 areas across England that have been identified as having high levels of deprivation but also significant potential for positive change. Each area receives at least £1 million ($1.3 million) in funding over this period, which can be used for a wide range of projects chosen by local residents.

The Big Local program is unique in several ways. Firstly, it is entirely resident-led – decisions about how to use the funding are made by local people through a democratic process known as "Big Local Reps". Secondly, it takes a holistic approach to community development – projects funded through Big Local cover everything from improving green spaces and public facilities to supporting small businesses and promoting social cohesion.

Local Trust also offers other forms of support beyond funding. For example, it provides training and networking opportunities for residents involved in community development work through its Community Development Exchange (CDX) program. CDX offers online resources as well as face-to-face events where participants can share ideas and learn from each other's experiences.

Another important aspect of Local Trust's work is its focus on research and evaluation. The organization regularly commissions studies to better understand the impact of its programs and to identify best practices in community development. This research is used to inform Local Trust's own work as well as that of other organizations in the sector.

Local Trust has achieved significant success since its inception. The Big Local program has funded hundreds of projects across England, ranging from community gardens and playgrounds to youth clubs and job training programs. These projects have had a tangible impact on local communities, improving quality of life for residents and fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

In addition, Local Trust's advocacy work has helped raise awareness about the importance of resident-led community development. The organization has been instrumental in promoting ABCD principles within the sector, encouraging other organizations to adopt similar approaches.

Overall, Local Trust is an innovative and effective organization that is making a real difference in communities across England. Its commitment to resident-led development, holistic approaches, and evidence-based practice make it a leader in the field of community development. By empowering local people to take control of their own destinies, Local Trust is helping create stronger, more resilient communities that are better equipped to face future challenges.