Big Local is a National Lottery funded programme run by the Local Trust which has awarded an area of Keighley £1 million to help improve quality of life for local residents. All decisions about how that money is spent have to be made by people who live, work or play in the area.
The Big Lottery Fund in England has invested £200 million in 150 urban and rural communities. These are areas of the country that have been overlooked for funding and resources in the past and may face issues including high levels of unemployment, a decline in industry or a need for new support services.
Each Big Local area receives at least £1m Lottery funding over the next 10 years, which residents themselves will be in charge of spending on ways to improve their community. This might include creating new facilities for the communities within the area, projects to provide more training and employment opportunities, more activities for older people or improved outdoor spaces.
Big Local is managed by an independent organisation called Local Trust and supported by partner organisations who offer each area support and training opportunities to help residents develop plans and find solutions that work for their communities. Taking action to help build communities capable not only of spending a £1m Lottery investment but securing more in the future.
What difference will it make?
Over 10 years, Local Trust aims to achieve the following four outcomes:
- Communities will be better able to identify local needs and take action in response to them.
- People will have increased skills and confidence, so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future.
- Priorities identified will make a difference to the local community.
- People will feel that their area is an even better place to live.
Formation of the Big Local Partnership
The Keighley Big Local Partnership was formed in November 2015 and has long identified the priorities facing Keighley Valley, not as singular objectives or isolated funding needs but to consider all the communities it is here to serve.
The Partnership brings together residents, businesses, community groups and service providers who all share an interest in delivering the activities outlined in the Keighley Big Local Plan.
The Partnership operates as a unincorporated association with a governing document; a Terms of Reference which outlines the aim of the Partnership – To deliver the Keighley Big Local Plan.