Press release

Bevendean Local Action Team Wins Prime Minister’s Big Society Award

Bevendean Local Action Team, who work to reduce anti-social behaviour and fear of crime in their local area, are the latest winners of the Prime Minister's Big Society Awards.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Bevendean Local Action Team (LAT), who work to reduce anti-social behaviour and fear of crime in their local area while strengthening and promoting community pride, are the latest winners of the Prime Minister’s Big Society Awards.

Run entirely by a group of local resident volunteers, the Bevendean LAT plans, fundraises and organises community engagement activities to combat anti-social behaviour. They run a variety of projects - most recently, the Leybourne Parade Regeneration Project which seeks to improve and build community spirit in the area, and promote local businesses. The Bevendean LAT also works beyond its community borders and is actively engaged in a number of Brighton-wide community safety initiatives.

Leybourne Parade Regeneration Project

Leybourne Parade Regeneration Project

The Prime Minister said:

The Bevendean Local Action Team is exactly the sort of project that the Big Society awards are about - local people taking action to tackle local issues at a local level. I’m really pleased to see people doing more for their own community, building cohesion and getting others involved in the process.

Congratulations to everyone involved with this scheme. This is a very worthy winner and a terrific example of the Big Society in action.

Bill Gandy, Chair of the Bevendean LAT said:

For many years, we have been working to enhance and improve our way of life in our local community. Sometimes it seems like we were running into one obstacle after another but our determination, passion and hard work have produced many positive changes.

This award is a fantastic accolade for all our local community.  The ethos behind the Big Society is one that we have been working within for many years but it is only now, that voluntary community groups like ours have the true recognition and means to continue to find community solutions to community problems. 

About Bevendean Local Action Team

The Bevendean Local Action Group started as an initiative of the Sussex Police eight years ago. Several members of the local community had become victims of various aspects of anti-social behaviour. These residents contacted the police who suggested that they came together to share their experiences, support each other and work together to find a way forward in trying to find a solution in combating the problem.

From this initial concept the Bevendean Local Action Team was born.

The Bevendean Local Action Team has now evolved from its initial concept into a respected successful model of a true community-led Local Action Team.

All members of the committee are unpaid voluntary residents of the local area who are elected for a 12 month term. Meetings are held every six weeks and are open to every resident in the geographical area.

Read more: Bevendean Local Action Team

Nominate someone for a Big Society Award

Published 18 March 2011