Whitley Bay Big Local is a community led organisation which was established as one of 150 ‘Big Locals’ through a national programme funded by Big Lottery Fund and administered by Local Trust. The programme aims to support people living in targeted communities to identify issues of local concern, propose solutions and resource those ideas.
Now into its eighth year of operation, Whitley Bay Big Local has delivered a broad range of programmes and activities that consult the interests of local people and create activity for people to participate and lead. Click here to find out more
Environment
In 2021 the Whitley Bay Big Local board approved a proposal that will set our community centre on a path to become a low carbon community. Loads has happened this year. We appointed an Architect and drew up some draft plans. We spent several months consulting with local people and refining. We’ve applied for planning permission and are now starting to have conversations with local contractors. Find out more here.You can see the plans for the building here.
See our notice board for events in Whitley Bay
Community
Whitley Bay Big Local’s theme “People and Wellbeing” develops projects and partnerships to support more vulnerable and / or isolated members of our community, improving people's day-to-day lives and working with services that can provide longer term interventions.
We have developed a range of activities that bring people together at informal drop-ins. It’s about kindness, taking time to listen to others and making connections in the local community.
These sessions aim to be inclusive and welcoming to all parts of the community and wherever possible the sessions are volunteer led.
Visit our FaceBook Page to find out more about our activities or Read more here
Activities
There is so much to do at Whitley Bay Big Local, we love having lots of folk in the building. New activities are regularly added to our already busy timetable!
Have you got any ideas of great things that could happen in our community building? If you do, drop in and have a chat with Sarah or contact us on our FaceBook page and tell us what activities you'd like to see / join in with / organise in our building!
From 23rd August "Soul of Ukraine" See our Events page for more information.
Helping to improve how Whitley Bay looks for residents and visitors
We are developing initiatives to improve how Whitley Bay looks with a focus on several legacy projects. Find out more here
Our Tidy Town Worker Gareth supports local residents to tidy up and beautify back lanes, public spaces and gardens.
The team has expertise, volunteers and funding for people who aren't afraid to get to work with neighbours to improve their patch. Find out more here
Hire our Bay Leaf team to tidy up your garden. If you would like to know more send an email to hello@whitleybaybiglocal.org
Arts, Creativity and Heritage
Whitley Bay Carnival 2022 is supported by Creative Civic Change, which offers residents in Whitley Bay opportunities to get involved in artistic and creative activities. The preparations for the 2022 carnival on 28th May, which will tell the story of giant rats that arrive in Whitley Bay, are underway. See the programme and find our how you can get involved here.
BayCreate, our two-year intergenerational arts project has been nurturing positive connections between people of all ages at Whitley Bay Big Local and The Base Young People’s Centre. Find out more here
To share stories about our love of Whitley Bay, old and new visit our Whitely Bay Heritage FaceBook Group.
TURN2US is a national charity which helps those who may need financial support or advice.
Use the Benefits Calculator to find out which welfare benefits you may be entitled to.
Use the Grants Search to find out what charitable funds you may be eligible for.
Visit their website if you could do with some help....or share with others who do.