There is a shift occurring in our public services. This shift is characterised by a recognition that traditional ‘top down’ approaches can no longer solve the complex social problems that we face as a society.

Matthew Rowlands from Llynfi BMX tells us how funding from Invest Local has put helped put the area on the map for BMXing.

Part of the ethos of Invest Local is to start from what’s good in the area, and build on the strengths that each community already has.

Chris Johnes explains how a conversation about resilient communities led to a sell-out conference on Building a New Local Economy in Wales.

The steering group of Invest Local Penywaun used some of their Getting Going funding to revive their local carnival, an event that was once the highlight of the community’s year.

For many years, Wales has faced the challenge of building a better economy with more resilient communities. Some progress has been made, but too many communities continue to struggle.

Huge congratulations to Hubberston and Hakin – the first community in Wales to receive Invest Local Driving Change funding for their community plan.

Becky - who lives in Clase, Swansea – tells us all about what’s been going on in the Invest Local programme there, from name changes to logo competitions to an Easter Fun Day.

Communications and Events Officer Emma Shepherd writes about a visit to a Somerset community with lots going on.

Consulting the people in Invest Local communities about what’s important to them has led to some common themes emerging. Chris Johnes explains what we’ve found out so far.

Community members from eight of the 13 Invest Local areas travelled to Scotland recently to visit a series of community projects.

Brendan D’Cruz from Invest Local Ynysowen talks about branding, bridges and a very special bear...

With the demise of Communities First, the Welsh Government’s priority is ‘resilient communities’. In his latest blog, BCT Chief Exec Chris Johnes explores exactly what this means.

Most of the Invest Local areas are well into the consultation process now, with all of them taking slightly different approaches to the process.

We’re excited to announce that we now have all thirteen communities involved in the Invest Local programme.

An important part of our Invest Local programme is Shared Learning, where communities get together and learn from each other’s experiences.

October half term saw two neighbouring Invest Local areas running some spooky events, with fun for local families and the chance for residents to have their say on their local areas.

In the eleven active communities in the Invest Local programme, the summer months have been a time for talking. Chris Johnes explains more about Invest Local's approach to consultation.

The area of Clase in Swansea is the eleventh community to join Invest Local.

As we begin consultation with local communities, Chief Executive Chris Johnes talks about the effect/nature of boundaries on place-based programmes.