Big Local Radstock Westfield, tasked with distributing £1 million of lottery money to these two areas, is aiming to become more visible within the local community, with an office move that took place last week. From the Oval offices in Westfield, Sarah Westell and Rob Wicke, from Big Local, have now moved to the heart of Radstock, sharing office space at the Carers’ Centre.

Finding itself at the end of its first three year plan, Big Local has another three year schedule ready and waiting to be approved for the benefit of the community, and is now looking for a Locally Trusted Organisation to independently oversee the release of the next round of cash.

The area was awarded £1 million in Lottery funding back in 2010, with various processes having to be followed before the money was actually released in 2015.

Since then, grants have been distributed to try and make a real difference to community groups, projects and causes in both Radstock and Westfield, with the extremely successful Dragon’s Den event highlighting this work. Local schools, theatre groups, sports clubs, charities, village halls, individual and environmental projects have all benefitted from small pockets of money that are intended to grow into bigger and better things.

And this is all part of the Big Local vision – to make the £1 million have a long-lasting impact on our local community; ultimately bringing in extra money to make it last longer. Big Local Radstock Westfield is now a Community Interest Company, which will enable it to raise its own funds and to match fund, too.

So, what of the next three years? As long as the plan is approved and a Locally Trusted Organisation found, then money will be used to help young people in the area – giving them opportunities, skills and access to learning, support for young carers and much more.

The plan will see investments in local health and wellbeing, which ties in with the space that will be included in the new Doctor’s Surgery at Waterloo Road for a community kitchen, helping locals learn about nutrition and preparing healthy food (planning permission has been granted, with work pending the release of NHS funding) and investing in upskilling and support for people locally, including investing in organisations and facilities.

Sarah and Rob are hoping that the move will put Big Local at the heart of the community that it serves, encouraging people to get in touch if they have an idea that could be funded – if it will make a real difference to the people of Radstock or Westfield.

“We’ll be flying our flag when we are in the office, so people know that we are in,” Sarah says. “A little like the Queen in residence! But most importantly, we hope to be able to get out and about more often and visit people who could benefit from lottery funding.

“In an ideal world, where the money had been invested, we would like to see less local families in crisis; less dependency on Foodbanks – more happy and engaged young people, and for the area to have even more pride in itself; inspiring others to see the good in our local community.”

If you have an idea that you think could benefit from Lottery funding to enhance the lives of those living in the Radstock and Westfield area, please visit: www.radstock westfield.org.uk

Whilst Big Local are looking for the money to leave a lasting, sustainable legacy, the original £1 million awarded must be spent by 2027.