COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

Client: Local Trust

Wendy has been working to support Big Local areas since August 2011. This has included working as a Rep – offering advice and support, planning and facilitating learning events, and being an assessor for Local Trusts – as well as being directly commissioned to support areas in delivering aspects of their plans.

People gathered around table watching woman write

Acting as a Big Local Rep in Slade Green since 2012, Wendy has offered support and guidance to the Partnership in order to support them in delivery of their plan. The goal is to create sustainable change and build a legacy for the community. For instance, efforts to train local people to be HGV drivers has led to their ongoing employment. The local football team, the Slade Green Knights, was formed with support from Big Local and is now doing really well and engaging over 150 young people per week.

The William Morris Big Local area in Waltham Forest is one of the first in the country to go plastic free. That’s just one of the environmentally focused initiatives happening. The area is also in the process of commissioning a scheme to improve front gardens and set up a tool-lending library.

Wendy took up the role as a Big Local Rep this year at an exciting time, as work progresses on delivery of a new plan. This will include building on current efforts to reduce social isolation (games club, afternoon tea for older people), promoting work around social entrepreneurs and supporting a community forum to discuss ward issues.

This year WSA, along with Sian Penner Associates, has been scoping and planning ways to get the 26 Big Local areas across London to link together and share and learn from each other. By working with other Big Local Reps, the aim is to identify common interests and best practice in order to provide the best outcomes for the communities they are supporting and help build a legacy.

Please find the latest London Learning Cluster report here.