Big Local programme national newsletter

[Big Local 10]

Local Trust, which manages the Big Local programme nationally, publishes a monthly newsletter.

 

The latest one is out today - here it is.

 

There are a number of learning events around the country over the coming months, which anyone is entitled to go to - so if you see a topic which interests you, either get in touch with 3 Parishes Big Local to book a place for you, or if you prefer you can book directly with Local Trust.  

 

They cover all expenses - travel, provide lunch, they will cover the cost of such things as childcare as well if you need it.

 

Our own 3 Parishes Big Local area is 'entitled' to 2 places at each event, but of course they can only take a limited number of people at each event so it's a good idea to book as early as possible if you want to go to one.

 

We'll be starting to distribute our own local newsletter next week on 'progress so far'. 

 

Advance notice - there will be a public meeting on Wednesday 18th September at 7.30pm, at Gobowen Scout Hall. This will be a chance to catch up on progress, and to start to put some ideas together for the first 'Community Plan' - starting to use some of the money over the next year or two.  

 

Big Local August newsletter

Welcome from Debbie Ladds

We are pleased to be able to share information with you and invite you to sign up to two learning and networking events coming up. Both access to credit and transport are issues which Big Local areas are addressing and we look forward to finding out the practical things that Big Local can do to try and find solutions to these issues.

If you don’t attend a leanring event, we will always share resources with you afterwards. We recently held an event on local media and below you will find useful information and guidance for you to use and share in your area.

Finally, if you are interested in accessing additional support to help with making local economy and social enterprise a strong part of your plan, do read about our boosting the local economy pilot.

Debbie Ladds, chief executive

Access to credit – understanding borrowing and saving

Saturday 14 September 10.30am-4pm, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear

Why do people turn to doorstep and payday lenders, some charging over 5000% APR? What does 5000% APR mean anyway? How does personal debt impact on the local community? What are the alternatives? What can Big Local do to help people break out of a spiral of debt and high cost loans, or avoid getting sucked in in the first place?

In this practical one day workshop we’ll be exploring how debt and lack of access to affordable credit is affecting people in Big Local areas, along with some of the ideas being developed to help people break out of the vicious circle of debt upon debt.

This event is for people in Big Local areas that want to:

• find out how credit problems are affecting people in other Big Local areas
• understand more about the alternatives to high interest personal loans
• explore the practical steps that Big Local areas and others are doing to increase the choices residents have with their money
• make contacts in other Big Local areas to continue sharing knowledge afterwards.

Further information, agenda and booking

‘Moving it’ – a study visit about Big Local and transport

Thursday 10 October – Friday 11 October, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire

How can Big Local support people in areas with poor public transport who either can’t afford to run a car, or don’t drive? How can Big Local help them get to work, to where they study, to the shops, the cashpoint, doctors, or chemists, or keep in touch with friends and family?

We are holding this overnight study visit in Ramsey, Cambridgeshire where Ramsey Million are tackling their community’s transport challenges by working with the local community bus service, by getting scooter-loan charity Kickstart to set-up in the town, and by trying to get their own dial-a-ride service going from scratch.

Further information and booking

Pilot: boosting the local economy – an offer to Big Local areas

Local Trust, UnLtd and the Star People team would like to identify and work with four Big Local areas that are interested in accessing additional support. This support is to help Big Local areas come up with strong plans around the local economy and enterprise, to include them in your Big Local plan and make them happen.

Who is it for?

Any Big Local area can apply to be a pilot area. Areas can be at any stage of the Big Local pathway. Whether you are developing your Big Local plan or starting to deliver it. For more information including how to apply, what support areas will get and what we can offer areas that are not selected see our website. Deadline – Friday 27 September 2013.

Local media – learning event, how to guides and resources

We recently held a learning and networking event for Big Local areas on how to work with local media. We learnt new skills through workshops, heard from two jounalists who shared their top tips and insider knowledge, and we talked about what Local Trust can do to help. People also exchanged stories of what they’d been doing in their areas. If you weren’t there, we have lots of useful information and short easy to use guidance.

In the workshops we used guides for how to write a press release, how to create media friendly photos and how to prepare for meetings with journalists.

The Local Trust website has resources including press key messages, notes to editors, and photo consent forms. We also have a guide to promoting Big Local in your area, as well as a sample of press coverage.

If you’re interested in finding out what Big Local areas have been doing around working with local media, we have a great new case study. In it, residents in Big Local areas who have established good relationships with their local media talk about their experiences and share some top tips!

Plain English – what is it and are you using it?

When you are writing, how much do you think about the style of your writing, or whom you are writing for?

You might be writing an email to a group of volunteers, an article for your Big Local blog or website, or a public sign for your event.

Are you clear on what the aims are? What do you want people to do once they’re read what you’ve written? Are you thinking about your audience? Do you want to make sure that people understand, the first time they read your writing?

Our blog and how to write in plain English guide provides easy to follow guidance. So, how plain is your English?

So you want to know what’s in the Big Local plans?

You’re not alone! This blog witten by Rachel Rowney, programme manager, draws together information on the 20 Big Local plans we have received so far. It shows a picture of what the plans look like nationally.

There are some common themes in the plans as well as some common challenges or factors to balance. Rachel has written about three factors that partnerships are balancing when producing their plans, find out more.

Other news and opportunities

Money for Life Challenge – learn new skills and gain financial experience. A financial capability programme where a team of learners (aged 16 – 24) accompanied by an adult sponsor can apply for a £500 grant to devise and demonstrate their own novel ways to teach others in their communities how to manage money.

Foyle Foundation’s small grants scheme – designed to support smaller charities in the UK, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities. Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are awarded to charities which can demonstrate that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work. There is no closing date.

Directory of Social Change Awards – are for all those working to achieve a positive change in society – individuals, charities, community groups, funders, companies, public bodies. You can nominate yourself or your own organisation. The nomination process can be completed in less than 30 minutes and closes 16 September 2013.

Improvements to Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities – responding to people’s concerns, the improvements are making the programme more flexible and responsive. Guidance and how to apply.

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If you wanted to download the newsletter rather than read it here....

 

Big Local Newsletter - August 2013.pdf