cross England, communities including Ewarnrigg in Cumbria are celebrating the success of the Big Local programme, the largest single-purpose Lottery-funded endowment ever made. 150 communities were each given 1million pounds to improve the areas they live in as a result of which thousands of people in some of England’s most disadvantaged areas have seen their lives improved.

The 100 Big Local areas that have so far completed the programme have delivered impactful, resident-led projects aiming to tackle locally determined priorities, demonstrating the power of community-led neighbourhood regeneration. These range from show-stopping community events, including a marathon and music festivals, to investment in local infrastructure, such as play areas and sports facilities, a solar farm and even a community-owned wind turbine.

With 50 areas still left to go there will be many more achievements to add to the list but with 2/3 of the Big Locals celebrating their close-out it feels like an appropriate moment to take stock of a project that was designed to be radically different from other funding programmes. Big Local has enabled areas to spend their funding over 10 to15 years, according to their communities’ plans and priorities. Rachel Rowney who has been with Local Trust since the beginning of its journey 12 years ago, recently took the helm as Chief Executive. She says the impact of Ewanrigg Big Local’s will continue to be felt long after the projects have finished:

“The Big Local programme is the largest single-purpose Lottery-funded endowment ever made, and the biggest ever investment by a non-state funder in place-based, resident-led change in England. This milestone for Ewanrigg Big Local, is not just the culmination of years of dedication. Local areas have formed legacy organisations to continue their work. Many local community groups are continuing to flourish and Big Local areas’ investment in building and developing local infrastructure, such as community centres, will continue to provide residents with shared spaces for decades to come. Local people will continue to champion their communities, building on the confidence and leadership skills they’ve developed through being part of the Big Local programme.”