Celebrating the Achievements and Legacy of 3 Together Big Local

A new skate park, a solar-powered community hut in Moorsley, and a transport scheme to help combat loneliness were among the successful projects delivered in Sunderland thanks to the 3 Together Big Local, National Lottery-funded initiative.  The programme comes to an end this month after a decade of investment in the region.

Over the past 10-15 years, £150 million was invested by the National Lottery through its Big Local programme. 150 resident-led partnerships across England each received £1 million to deliver community-led activities.

Easington Lane, Moorsley and Peat Carr in Sunderland were chosen to be part of the programme and received £1.2 million due to the high levels of multiple deprivation in the areas.

By 2014, a group of Sunderland residents had established the first ‘Partnership Board’ to engage local people in deciding how they wanted to spend the money and what they wanted for their area.

Early consultations showed that people wanted to improve their community infrastructure, make more of the local environment, support the health and wellbeing of residents and create activities and support programmes for young people.

Work started on delivering the first plan in 2015. 

Fast forward 10 years and 3 Together Big Local has delivered its third and final community plan.

The £1.2 million grant has been spent and the community partnership is proud of the improvements made in the area and is ready to celebrate its achievements.

Some of the results achieved include:

• Over £190,000 supported the building of a new hut in Moorsley, opened in 2024. An extra £10,000 funded the installation of solar panels to reduce energy bills. Further grants paid for activities and projects for residents delivered at the hut.  
• Around £135,000 was invested in a Community Transport scheme, based at Easington Lane Community Access Point. The scheme brought residents together to help tackle loneliness. A fleet of 7 minibuses, now operates bringing residents together and supporting people with their daily lives.  
• In partnership with Sunderland City Council, £50,000 was awarded to develop the Flatts Skate Park and Play area. The money enabled the Council to be more ambitious in the redevelopment of the play area including building a skate park, ball games area and play equipment.  

Halfway through the programme, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted project delivery; activity shifted online with support continuing to be provided to those most in need.

During the pandemic, over £50,000 funded forty different community initiatives.

One project delivered healthy meals to vulnerable people using the community transport buses.

Over £130,000 was distributed to resident-led initiatives in the area. The largest grant allowed Easington Lane Community Action Point to add solar panels and thermal insulation to their buildings to help reduce energy bills and lessen their impact on the environment. 

Since its launch the Big Local has funded and facilitated hundreds of community engagement activities including litter picks, community walks, fun days, energy awareness workshops, cycling projects and art projects. Thousands of people from the local area have taken part in activities and engaged in Big Local activities.  

Commenting on the funding received and the impact on the local community, Jacky Worthington, a Moorsley Hut user and community organiser said:
“People in Moorsley wanted only one thing from the Big Local programme, and that was to help build a new community centre. The support received exceeded our expectations, and the new Hut is better than we could ever have imagined. We now have a centre with activities for everyone in the community, and with solar panels and batteries, it’s going to be here and sustainable for a very long time to come! 

“We’re delighted to host the celebration event and family fun day and invite everyone to come and see the new hut and enjoy the day with us.”

Stephen Armstrong, Community Programme Manager at Groundwork NE & Cumbria explained: “We are proud of the transformational work that has been carried out in Sunderland thanks to the 3 Together Big Local fund. Our team at Groundwork has played an invaluable part in delivering the project over the past 10 years, and are delighted to be celebrating its successes with the commemorative event.”

Gregory Fenton, Chair of the 3 Total Local partnership said: “The programme may be over, but its legacy continues with community activity thriving in the area and improved community spaces created at Easington Lane Community Access Point, Elemore Park and the Flatts skate park.

“The initiative brought together people from diverse backgrounds and got them working together for shared outcomes. People have gained confidence and a greater understanding of what their area needs and have been empowered to take action. These groups will continue to work in the area to help deliver positive community action.”  

Community Celebration: 

Everyone in the local community is invited to celebrate the end of the Big Local programme.  Presentations and family fun days will be held at Moorsley Hut on Wednesday 30 April and Thursday, 1 May, 14:45 – 16:00, at Easington Lane Community Action Point.