Episode 11: A journey through series three with Local Trust’s CEO, Matt Leach
In the final episode of series three of the community power podcast, host Chris Allen sits down with Local Trust’s chief executive, Matt Leach, to reflect on the Big Local areas featured throughout the series. Matt shares his insights into the evolution of these communities and what makes each area distinct – highlighting the unique stories that define Big Local, its impact and legacy.
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Episode 10: Connecting through faith, food and shared spaces – the women of Welsh House Farm
In 2016, Welsh House Farm Big Local in Birmingham established a women’s diaspora group, to provide a safe and supportive space for women who had migrated to the UK. Initially, the group aimed to combat feelings of loneliness and cultural disconnection by bringing women together to share their experiences and enjoy communal spaces.
In this episode we hear how the group has flourished, welcoming women from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Poland. Through shared stories, mutual support and friendship, the group has become a cornerstone of their lives—offering not just a network, but a sense of belonging.
Looking to the future, the group are determined to sustain their work beyond Big Local. Their plans include fostering cultural exchange, enhancing language learning opportunities and expanding community engagement, to continue bridging divides and celebrating diversity.
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Episode 9: Heart of Sidley – tackling food poverty through community-driven support
In this episode, we speak with resident and volunteer Sally Ricketts and project coordinator Tanya Vice, from Heart of Sidley Big Local in East Sussex.
Heart of Sidley has a strong sense of community, but hidden challenges lie beneath the surface – in particular, food poverty. To help address this, Heart of Sidley Big Local introduced a voucher programme, to help local people access food and other essential items. The initiative has been particularly impactful for those who are not eligible for benefits, providing much needed support.
The programme not only fosters community connections, it also supports local businesses and helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking assistance. In this conversation, we explore how the initiative has improved the mental health of local residents, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and community-driven support.
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Episode 8: Destination Dover – entrepreneurship in action with Dover Big Local
Dover is known for its white cliffs and rich history, but it has also faced economic and community engagement challenges.
In this episode, chair Anita Luckett shares how Dover Big Local has transformed the town through local entrepreneurship and small business development – from revitalising the London Road high street to broader collaborations with local authorities, cultural organisations and businesses.
Combining Big Local funding with community insights, Dover Big Local has developed projects around economic opportunities, health, arts, and green spaces. They’ve supported self-employment and developed accessible pathways for residents facing barriers to traditional forms of employment. Meanwhile, their Destination Dover project aimed to shift Dover’s image from transit point to true destination.
Looking ahead, the area has plans to build on their legacy of community empowerment and resilience, continuing their work beyond the Big Local programme.
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Episode 7: Art, action and legacy – the transformation of Chatham through Arches Big Local
Nestled in Arches in Chatham, Kent, you’ll find a series of striking murals adorning the town – one of them being a radioactive cabbage surrounded by men in hazmat suits.
To uncover the story behind these murals and learn more about Arches Big Local, we spoke to co-chair Kate Mechedou. Kate, who got involved in the programme after discovering the Arches community hub and its art group, shines a light on how the partnership commissioned the murals and how they’ve helped to address anti-social behaviour in the community.
As well as the murals, Arches Big Local has actively engaged young people through impactful initiatives like the ‘Fit and Fed’ project, which offers sports activities and nutritious meals for children during the school holidays.
They’ve also successfully secured additional funding, including from the Levelling Up Fund, allowing them to maintain flower baskets in the local area and revamp the local Luton Millennium Green – helping to secure a lasting legacy of community-driven improvements.
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