Local Trust podcast

Local Trust

Podcast by Local Trust

  1. Episode 11: A journey through series three with Local Trust’s CEO, Matt Leach

    20.03.2025

    Episode 11: A journey through series three with Local Trust’s CEO, Matt Leach

    In the final episode of series three of the community power podcast, host Chris Allen sits down with Local Trust’s chief executive, Matt Leach, to reflect on the Big Local areas featured throughout the series. Matt shares his insights into the evolution of these communities and what makes each area distinct – highlighting the unique stories that define Big Local, its impact and legacy.

    34 мин.
  2. Episode 10: Connecting through faith, food and shared spaces – the women of Welsh House Farm

    18.12.2024

    Episode 10: Connecting through faith, food and shared spaces – the women of Welsh House Farm

    In 2016, Welsh House Farm Big Local in Birmingham established a women’s diaspora group, to provide a safe and supportive space for women who had migrated to the UK. Initially, the group aimed to combat feelings of loneliness and cultural disconnection by bringing women together to share their experiences and enjoy communal spaces. In this episode we hear how the group has flourished, welcoming women from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Poland. Through shared stories, mutual support and friendship, the group has become a cornerstone of their lives—offering not just a network, but a sense of belonging. Looking to the future, the group are determined to sustain their work beyond Big Local. Their plans include fostering cultural exchange, enhancing language learning opportunities and expanding community engagement, to continue bridging divides and celebrating diversity.

    29 мин.
  3. Episode 9: Heart of Sidley – tackling food poverty through community-driven support

    06.12.2024

    Episode 9: Heart of Sidley – tackling food poverty through community-driven support

    In this episode, we speak with resident and volunteer Sally Ricketts and project coordinator Tanya Vice, from Heart of Sidley Big Local in East Sussex. Heart of Sidley has a strong sense of community, but hidden challenges lie beneath the surface – in particular, food poverty. To help address this, Heart of Sidley Big Local introduced a voucher programme, to help local people access food and other essential items. The initiative has been particularly impactful for those who are not eligible for benefits, providing much needed support. The programme not only fosters community connections, it also supports local businesses and helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking assistance. In this conversation, we explore how the initiative has improved the mental health of local residents, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and community-driven support.

    22 мин.
  4. Episode 8: Destination Dover – entrepreneurship in action with Dover Big Local

    11.11.2024

    Episode 8: Destination Dover – entrepreneurship in action with Dover Big Local

    Dover is known for its white cliffs and rich history, but it has also faced economic and community engagement challenges. In this episode, chair Anita Luckett shares how Dover Big Local has transformed the town through local entrepreneurship and small business development – from revitalising the London Road high street to broader collaborations with local authorities, cultural organisations and businesses. Combining Big Local funding with community insights, Dover Big Local has developed projects around economic opportunities, health, arts, and green spaces. They’ve supported self-employment and developed accessible pathways for residents facing barriers to traditional forms of employment. Meanwhile, their Destination Dover project aimed to shift Dover’s image from transit point to true destination. Looking ahead, the area has plans to build on their legacy of community empowerment and resilience, continuing their work beyond the Big Local programme.

    20 мин.
  5. Episode 7: Art, action and legacy – the transformation of Chatham through Arches Big Local

    18.10.2024

    Episode 7: Art, action and legacy – the transformation of Chatham through Arches Big Local

    Nestled in Arches in Chatham, Kent, you’ll find a series of striking murals adorning the town – one of them being a radioactive cabbage surrounded by men in hazmat suits. To uncover the story behind these murals and learn more about Arches Big Local, we spoke to co-chair Kate Mechedou. Kate, who got involved in the programme after discovering the Arches community hub and its art group, shines a light on how the partnership commissioned the murals and how they’ve helped to address anti-social behaviour in the community. As well as the murals, Arches Big Local has actively engaged young people through impactful initiatives like the ‘Fit and Fed’ project, which offers sports activities and nutritious meals for children during the school holidays. They’ve also successfully secured additional funding, including from the Levelling Up Fund, allowing them to maintain flower baskets in the local area and revamp the local Luton Millennium Green – helping to secure a lasting legacy of community-driven improvements.

    18 мин.
  6. Episode 6: A dream 12 years in the making –reflecting on Mossley Big Local’s community hub journey

    27.08.2024

    Episode 6: A dream 12 years in the making –reflecting on Mossley Big Local’s community hub journey

    In this episode, we catch up with Mike, Gary and Angela, as they reflect on their 12-year journey with Mossley Big Local, located in Walsall in the Black Country. We learn about the important role Mossley's community hub has played in bringing the estate together and rebuilding a sense of community spirit. Mike also shares insights into the estate's history before the Big Local funding. Along its journey, Mossley Big Local has empowered the estate to flourish. Now, Mike, Gary and Angela hope to extend this legacy long after the end of the Big Local programme. They discuss their plans for the future, including continuing the work of their Big Local as a new registered charity – which they hope will open even more doors and keep activities running at the Mossley hub for everyone in the community to enjoy.

    24 мин.
  7. Episode 5: Thinking outside the box – exploring a Universal Basic Income pilot

    16.07.2024

    Episode 5: Thinking outside the box – exploring a Universal Basic Income pilot

    In June 2023, Grange Big Local in East Finchley, London, and Big Local Jarrow in South Tyneside, launched a Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot scheme. Aimed at addressing issues faced by local residents, the scheme would examine the impact of UBI on health, wellbeing and economic outcomes, while also advocating for UBI as a national policy solution. The innovative scheme was developed in consultation with local residents, to shape what could become the first UBI trial in England. In this episode, we speak to Julia Hines from Grange Big Local and Cleo Goodman from Basic Income Conversation about the initiative and their hopes for securing funding to get the pilot off the ground. They discuss the practicalities of a UBI and how it could address basic needs, and provide security and support for those facing financial difficulties or who have taken on caregiving responsibilities. Read more about the pilot in the Big Local basic income proposal report, here: https://autonomy.work/portfolio/basic-income-big-local/

    19 мин.
  8. Episode 4: Building community and combating loneliness – Tonge with the Haulgh’s Men’s Shed

    14.06.2024

    Episode 4: Building community and combating loneliness – Tonge with the Haulgh’s Men’s Shed

    In this week's episode we speak to Jeff, Neil, Steve and Danny from Tonge with the Haulgh's Men's Shed project. The initiative connects retired men, offering them opportunities to work on projects, learn new skills and socialise – as well as providing essential social support, addressing loneliness and improving mental health. Despite being called a ‘men’s shed’, the group aims to attract younger members and welcomes women as well – with a women’s only art group offering a safe space for women to socialise. In partnership with their local church, the Men's Shed project has launched additional community initiatives, including a gardening project with a beehive for honey production, an over-50s lunch club, a community café and a learning hub, helping to prevent isolation and giving members a sense of purpose and community. If you would like to visit or start your own local Men’s Shed, please go here: https://menssheds.org.uk/

    24 мин.
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Podcast by Local Trust

Информация

  • Автор
    Local Trust
  • Годы выхода
    2018 - 2025
  • Выпуски
    60
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © All rights reserved
  • Сайт подкаста
    Local Trust podcast