HOW WE ARE RUN 

The Trust is governed by a board of up to twelve Trustees who are responsible for the charity’s overall governance, accountability and direction. The Trustees work closely with a resident-led steering group who ensure that local voices and community issues remain central to decision making, and both work hand-in-hand to make sure the running of Whitleigh Community Trust continues to strive for a better Whitleigh. 

OUR GOALS

Whitleigh Community Trust works to benefit everyone in our community, and our key goals set out in our governing documents are to: 

  • Promote and support the health and well-being of residents in Whitleigh. 

  • Maintain and improve public spaces for the benefit of all residents. 

  • Promote social inclusion and prevent isolation. 

  • Develop the capacity and skills of the community of Whitleigh, Plymouth, so residents can identify and help meet their own needs. 

  • Benefit all residents of Whitleigh by providing opportunities for earning, for leisure, and for well-being to improve the lives of residents.

This gives us the flexibility to respond to real local needs as they emerge, helping to ensure Whitleigh continues to grow and thrive. 

Colorful sign that reads 'UNITY' with a rainbow heart illustration painted below, displayed on a white fabric at an art station with paint jars and brushes.

WHAT WE DO IN WHITLEIGH

Creating connections

Bringing people together to build connections is a major part of what we do. The Whitleigh Festival of Light Lantern Parade, led by the Whitleigh Wellbeing Art Café, is a powerful example of how a small peer-to-peer arts group has grown into a much-loved annual community celebration that brings together local primary schools, community groups, and families.  

Supporting resident-led ideas

We help residents develop and deliver projects that reflect what matters most locally.

Many of the projects we support begin with a simple idea or a local need. Nifty Knitters, for example, started as an idea from a local grandmother looking for a space to learn new skills and connect with others. Working with partners, we helped secure a venue, and now the group meets weekly, offering a welcoming and creative space to build confidence and connections.  

Nurturing opportunities

When residents and young people raised concerns about a lack of youth provision, we listened and responded. Surveys with young people identified the need for safe spaces, support, and fun activities, so with National Lottery funding, we developed a volunteer youth leader training programme that was co-designed with young people and delivered by qualified youth workers. Over 18 months, 15 local adults have been trained and now deliver regular youth pop-ups and a monthly drop-in for young people aged 13+. 

Building skills, confidence, and local leadership

Lasting change happens when people are supported to grow. The PL5 Project, delivered in partnership with Four Greens Trust and funded by the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, supports volunteering, skills development, and career progression for residents by offering local, tailored support and accredited training to help break down barriers, build confidence and strengthen community resilience. 

Working in partnership

Partnerships and collaborations are central to all our work. For several years, we’ve been working with Brook Green Centre for Learning to support students with additional needs with their Duke of Edinburgh Award on our community allotment. Every week during the spring and summer, students have been working with our Green Connector to learn about the environment and grow produce to help build their resilience, team-building skills, and perseverance. Since 2024, we’ve also partnered with FoodSEqual, supporting volunteers to become community food researchers and improving access to fresh fruit and vegetables through our Community Market. 

Check out what’s going on in the community.  

Why it matters 

Two women at an award ceremony holding certificates and flowers. The woman on the left has short hair, glasses, and is wearing a dark shirt with a graphic design, while the woman on the right has long hair, glasses, and is wearing a black shirt with white skull print.

By working with the Whitleigh community to support local leadership, develop ideas, build partnerships, and nurture skill development, we help create real opportunities that improve wellbeing, community connections and pride in Whitleigh.

Our listen-first approach lets us invest in Whitleigh to create change that truly lasts. 

Three elderly women sitting outdoors on camping chairs, smiling and posing for the camera, with art supplies and a painting tablet in front of them, surrounded by trees and grass.

Get involved

Whether you live in Whitleigh, work locally, or want to support community-led change, there are many ways to get involved. If you have an idea for the community, get in touch, and we’ll help you explore ways to make it happen.

Also, we’re always looking for volunteers to help out with community events and projects.

Support Our Work

Whitleigh Community Trust relies on a mix of community energy and partnerships. Funding our work means investing directly in local people, local leadership and the long-term wellbeing of Whitleigh.