Our Big Local journey has ended, but this isn't the end of our story.
Over ten years, Firs and Bromford Neighbours Together (FBNT) invested £1 million of National Lottery funding in our area. We wanted to strengthen the mutual support and neighbourliness that already existed in our community, and to build a community where welcome isn’t just a word, but a feeling.
Our partnership board of residents made decisions about how to spend the money. Together we created more opportunities for connection, invested in the gifts and talents of our neighbours, and grew our collective confidence to shape our community's future. Read on to find out more about our impact.
Our Big Local Story 2012-2025
Explore our story
1. Watch our film and hear from our neighbours
2. Listen to our podcasts and find out what we learned
3. Watch our presentation
4. Read our reports - coming soon
What we achieved together
In numbers
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81 active community groups bringing people together
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500+ neighbours celebrating at annual events
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98% of participants feel more connected to others
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150+ neighbours receiving support each year
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100+ Welcome Packs welcoming new residents
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£2 million additional funding leveraged through partnerships
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100+ people running projects and activities​​​
What else?
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A new pocket park, trees and community gardens.
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New traditions from Christmas sleigh-rides and pantos to Eid celebrations and summer festivals.
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Residents trained as Street Connectors, Youth Connectors and Mental Health Guides.
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The Hub was the first venue in the national Places of Welcome network.
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A mobile community venue in a van!​​
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What we focused on
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We built community through relationships: neighbours connecting neighbours.
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We focused on the talents and ideas of local people.
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We created community traditions that bring us all together.
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We have grown our own community leaders.
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We supported our neighbours when they needed help and looked out for each other.
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Who was involved?​
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Our partnership board of residents took the lead and we worked closely with Open Door Community Foundation and Worth Unlimited as part of the wider Together We Can partnership.
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Our legacy continues​​
The Firs and Bromford Community Development Trust is building on everything we've achieved. The relationships we've built, the leaders we've developed, and our stronger community culture will continue to flourish.
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Firs & Bromford Neighbours Together was supported by the National Lottery Community Fund through Big Local, investing £1 million over 10 years in 150 communities across England.
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