Help to build a Community Eco-Hub in Whitley Bay
In 2021 the Whitley Bay Big Local board approved a proposal that set our community centre on a path to become a low carbon community. In 2022 we appointed an architect, who drew up plans, we consulted with local people and refined our plans. Work started on our refurbishment project at the end of 2022, with the renewal of the roof and installation of solar panels. Ground floor activities have moved to the 2nd floor, ready for refurbishment work to start on the ground floor. Find out more here.
Whitley Bay Warm Spaces
Whitley Bay Big Local will join other groups to provide a "Warm Welcome" over the winter. Every week day from 1st November there will a warm welcome, warm drinks and a warm space in the following venues:
Monday 9am - 1pm St. Paul's, Whitley Bay
Monday 1pm- 4pm Whitley Bay Big Local
Tuesday: 9am - 5pm Whitley Bay Baptist Church
Wednesday 10am - 4pm Hillheads Community Church, Kingsley Avenue
Thursday 9:30am - 3pm The Bay Church, Whitley Road
Thursday 10am - 5pm Whitley Bay Big Local
Friday 10am - 1pm St. John's Church Methodist Church, Ilfracombe Gardens
Friday 10am - 4:30pm Whitley Bay Big Local
Environmental Action Plan
We are working to support and offers environmental activities and share knowledge. We commissioned an Environmental Action Plan, which has identified numerous ways to improve our impact on the world around us. We have started in-house recycling and battery collection point, and created a free flyer: Nature Places to enjoy in Whitley Bay, which you can collect at 158 Whitley Road. We are sharing tips and advice for living more sustainably and saving money every fortnight on FaceBook, View the tips here.
Also see our notice board for environment events in Whitley Bay
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!
See our notice board for environment 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
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
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 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
BayCreate, our two-year intergenerational arts project ended with a celebration event in January 2023, where all the artwork from the past two years was exhibited. Over two years the project nurtured positive connections between people of all ages at Whitley Bay Big Local and The Base Young People’s Centre. Find out more here
Whitley Bay Carnival has been supported by Creative Civic Change, which offered residents in Whitley Bay opportunities to get involved in artistic and creative activities. Whitley Bay Carnival will celebrate its 10th birthday from 26th -28th May 2023. A giant birthday party is planned and you’re all invited.. Find out more.
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.