Big Local Gateshead is one of 150 Big Locals founded in 2012 all over the UK to help residents make a difference to the area they live in. Big Local Gateshead operates in Teams and the racecourse estate in Bensham, and their governing body is made up of people who live or work in that area. They run a community space on Derwentwater Road, an allotment on Bensham Bank, and activities all across the area.