We are delighted to announce that Eastside Community Trust has been selected as one of just 15 organisations across the UK to take part in the new Connection Trailblazers programme, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Locality. This opportunity will help us develop and refine our approach to community leadership, with a particular focus on using our membership model as a foundation for future growth and clarity.

At Eastside, we believe that vibrant, inclusive neighbourhoods are built by and for the people who live there. Our recent evaluation highlighted some important questions from our community about what it truly means to be a member of Eastside, how we remain community-led, and how we ensure we stay rooted in the needs and voices of local people. This new programme gives us the time, space, and support to explore those questions and take action.

“This funding allows us to pause, reflect, and reimagine what community leadership looks like for us,” says Stacy Yellend, CEO of Eastside Community Trust.

“It’s a unique opportunity to build on the strengths of our membership model and make sure it works for everyone, so that being a member is meaningful, and so that local people feel ownership of what we do and why we do it.”

The Connection Trailblazers programme is part of Connectors-UK, a national initiative designed to strengthen social ties, build equity, and support long-term local connection. It’s a response to deepening divisions in society, where many people feel disconnected, unheard, and unsupported. The programme gives participating organisations like ours access to a £20,000 grant, tailored peer support, and a leadership development programme focused on building stronger, more connected communities.

As part of this, Stacy is also taking part in a new peer-led leadership programme, working alongside the other Trailblazer organisations to share learning, spark new ideas, and support each other’s journeys.

We’ll also soon be launching a survey for our members to help shape this work. We want to hear directly from you, our community, about what membership means to you, how you’d like to be involved, and how we can better reflect your needs, voices and aspirations in our leadership and decision-making.

We’re incredibly proud to be part of a cohort of organisations who are pushing boundaries and championing community power. This isn’t just about funding, it’s about recognising that real change happens when local people are trusted, supported, and resourced to lead.

Stay tuned for updates on our journey and how you can get involved in shaping Eastside’s future.

Together, we’re building connection that lasts.