By Norrie Breslin,

Head of Policy and Learning, Big Lottery Fund

We’re learning lots of important things as we talk to you about People and Communities.

We have had lots of feedback via social media and email and we’ve held five events across Northern Ireland where there has been lots of energetic discussion and sharing of experience.

Your views are helping us shape this new programme as we go through the process of shaping it, but we want to continue talking to you as we adapt it to the changing needs of communities over the coming months and years.

One of the things you’ve been talking to us about is how to involve people in projects. This includes knocking on doors and asking people what change they want to see in their community, and asking  for their ideas on how to make the change happen. We have also heard about bringing people together to discuss issues and using surveys to find out what people think. Some of you have found pilot projects a good way to test new ideas.

We are hearing your ideas on how else we can better support you, such as more face to face contact, quicker decisions and helping you to share your knowledge and learning.

We want to continue to learn how we can best work with you to make a difference for people and communities.

We’re holding a live Twitter Q and A about our plans for People and Communities on Tuesday 29 September from noon and 2pm. Join us using the hastag  #fundingpeopleni

You can talk to us talk to us on Facebook and Twitter anytime or email us at yourideas@biglotteryfund.org.uk to share your views.

You can find all the details about People and Communities on our website.