Blog posts
Looking for colour, context and perspective about the work of The National Lottery Community Fund, its impact on communities and topics currently in the news? It’s all here. This blog will explain, explore, showcase and examine the ways in which civil society, and as a result the sector, is changing. Read about what people in communities across the UK and sector thought leaders have to say and form your own opinion.
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Reflections from the Health and Social Care Committee visit to Blackpool Better Start
5 September, 2025
Claire Dunne, Senior Research and Development Manager at the National Children’s Bureau, highlights how A Better Start is influencing a new inquiry into the first 1000 days of a child’s life. Read more -
A Better Start programme’s impact on the government’s new early years strategy
5 September, 2025
Sarah Creek, Early Years Programme Lead at NCB, reflects on how A Better Start’s learning and evidence has influenced the Best Start in Life strategy. Read more -
Reaching the future workforce: Better Start Bradford
5 September, 2025
Charlotte Woodhouse, Early Years Facilitator at Better Start Bradford, shows how the partnership was able to provide bespoke training to support the needs of Level 2 and 3 students in local colleges. Read more -
The National Lottery Community Fund appoints Dr. David Halpern CBE as advisor to its Board
1 September, 2025
Today, The National Lottery Community Fund has announced that it has appointed Dr. David Halpern CBE as advisor to its Board. His appointment will help ensure The National Lottery Community Fund continues to strengthen its support for communities across the UK through robust evidence and learning. Read more -
Meithrin Natur - truly life-changing access to natural environment
27 August, 2025
Early access to nature is truly life-changing. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund has launched Meithrin Natur—a new £10 million programme to support the health and wellbeing of babies and young children in Wales through meaningful connections with the natural environment. In this blog, Dr Simone Lowthe Thomas, Chair of our Wales Committee, shares why this funding matters and how it aims to create lasting impact. Read more -
15 August, 2025
In this blog, Jacinta Linden celebrates 20 Years of Values-Led Leadership and Partnership at Bolster Community. Read more -
International Youth Day 2025 | Introducing our new Youth Voice Advisors
12 August, 2025
This International Youth Day 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on the newest of our Youth Voice Advisors who will be making a valued impact on work as a funder. Read more -
Supporting children to enjoy the best start in life – learning from A Better Start
1 August, 2025
Richard Newson (National Children’s Bureau) discusses how the learning from A Better Start was presented at a key summit ahead of the Government’s new Best Start in Life strategy. Read more
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Richard Newson
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Media and Communications Manager at the National Children’s Bureau
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- Insight
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Building on a decade of A Better Start
1 August, 2025
Matt Riddell, Funding Manager at The National Lottery Community Fund, shares his reflections on more than ten years of A Better Start. Read more -
Unlocking systemic change led by communities: the Solidarity Fund
3 June, 2025
Ali Torabi, Head of Funding Development, shares details of the Solidarity Fund launching in June – and how it has been shaped by community feedback Read more
