The Big Conversation – have your say
The Big Conversation is the annual exploration of life in Lincoln – the good bits and the pitfalls.
It is undertaken by LocalMotion Lincoln an organisation aiming to break down barriers to prosperity in the city and bring about community-led change.
“We want to work with communities to address social, economic and environmental challenges being faced locally and beyond,” said Charlotte Brooks of LocalMotion Lincoln
Working through research company, Social Change, LocalMotion launched an annual survey back in 2023 to understand the experiences of those living and/or working in Lincoln; local challenges stopping communities from thriving; the picture of happiness and satisfaction and how things might have changed over the year.
Key findings from the Big Conversation 2025 include:
- The majority of people are likely to feel some degree of happiness and satisfaction with life but the levels are lower than previous years and those aged over 65 have gone from being the most content to the least.
- Positive and negative impacts on life included financial, health and job security, social connection, the availability, cleanliness and safety of local spaces and the political climate.
- Not everyone feels they are in control of their own lives which negatively impacts happiness
- A preference for direct and objective communications emerged with a desire for evidence to back up information. However, personal stories could be used to illustrate and get across messages for communities.
- People want a plan to follow, but there was a split between rules and guidelines being followed rigidly and having flexibility.
The information gained through The Big Conversation helps organisations to communicate with and support communities to make the changes they have identified as needed.
Charlotte added: “The BIG Conversation 2026 survey has now launched and seeks to explore what change looks like for people in Lincoln. To complete the survey, read more about past BIG Conversations and watch our learning webinar, scan the QR code.
£1,000 grant to help your community have its say
LocalMotion Lincoln wants to get extra feedback through community projects locally and has launched an experimental fund to support this aim and remove barriers for people who want to take a lead.
The projects can be held at any time between April 1 and June 30 and can qualify for a £1,000 budget.
Money for events can be used for venue hire, catering, equipment, material, participation gifts and up to £250 to cover organisers’ costs or time.
Charlotte Brooks explained: “In return, organisers will be asked to help collect responses for the BIG Lincoln Conversation 2026 from within their community and share your own learning post event.
Groups interested in this offer should contact Wilf Wright at
