WHITLEIGH BIG LOCAL
WHITLEIGH BIG LOCAL: WHAT IS IT?
The Big Local Programme was a National Lottery-funded initiative established in 2010 that gave 150 areas across England £1m to use how they wanted over a ten-year period. Whitleigh was chosen as one of a small number of communities in the Southwest to be included in the programme, and a resident-led community group was created to produce a plan based on feedback from hundreds of conversations with local people. The plan focused on six key areas identified by the community: Health and Wellbeing, Older People, Play Parks, Engaging the Community, Children and Young People, and the Environment, and in 2014, the Whitleigh Big Local Partnership was given the green light to begin.
Through Big Local, Whitleigh invested in projects that strengthened community connection, improved wellbeing, and created welcoming shared spaces. Mobile services were introduced to better serve local residents, including a minibus and Winnie, the mobile community centre van. Alongside this, parks, play areas, and allotments across the area were created and revitalised, helping to improve the local environment and encourage greater use of green spaces.
Volunteer Community Champions were recruited to help care for and maintain these spaces. Their involvement supported the development of confidence, practical skills, and leadership, while also contributing positively to mental well-being. Building on the success and lasting impact of the Big Local, The Whitleigh Community Trust was established to continue driving resident-led change beyond the end of the Big Local funding period.
Read the Whitleigh Big Local booklet for more information.
THE PARTNERSHIP TODAY
Although the Big Local Programme came to an end in 2024, the Big Local Partnership continues to meet and play an active role in the community. The Partnership supports and deliversamazing community events for Whitleigh, including regular play days, the famous Whitleigh Lantern Parade, and lots of small engagement events throughout the year.
The Partnership is central to the success of Whitleigh Community Trust, acting as both a critical friend and a wider steering group to help deliver community development where it is mostneeded – forging strong connections in the Whitleigh area and supporting residents to work together cooperatively for a better Whitleigh for all.
GET INVOLVED