2020s – a decade of overcoming crisis through voluntary effort

This decade demonstrates the power and resilience of communities when faced with adversity. Although not yet completed, the four years since it began have been some of the most challenging times for us all. Rural residents have stepped forward in their droves to volunteer, making a difference in their own communities by supporting the most vulnerable. These voluntary efforts have made, and continue to make, a big difference in our communities.

COVID pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK during March 2020 and the country was ordered into a lockdown.

“Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact and travel.”

Prime Minister’s announcement on 16 March 2020

For the first time in their history, village halls were required to close their doors. The Village Halls Advice Network moved its meetings online and these provided support to those volunteers responsible for village hall management to help them interpret government guidance, both during the close-down of their buildings and in re-opening them safely under changing restrictions.

Reopening doors

The lockdowns saw many activities that took place in village halls moved online and people needed encouragement and support to resume in-person activities. Village hall volunteers were supported to re-establish programmes of community activities, first outside, through Café Cabaret events, but then back inside once restrictions had been lifted and community confidence had been built.

Supporting the cost-of-living crisis

The UK has been experiencing a cost-of-living crisis since late 2021. With concerns that vulnerable and isolated rural residents would struggle to cope, Cambridgeshire ACRE set-up 38 Warm Hubs over the winter of 2022 that were attended by over 16,000 visitors. The hubs were operated by volunteers at community buildings offering a free-of-charge, warm and friendly environment.

Over the following year, Warm Hubs evolved to become year-round Community Hubs, with the network extending across East Cambridgeshire, Fenland and South Cambridgeshire. These hubs now open their doors weekly and form a key part of rural community life.

Introducing Village Agents

To give further support to residents, a team of Village Agents were appointed in January 2024. They use local Community Hubs as a ‘base’ for getting to know people and to build trusted relationships. Agents provide support and advice on a wide range of topics by signposting to the right people, services or agencies and can support those who feel isolated, those who do not know where to turn with a problem or those that are struggling financially.

Addressing the climate and nature emergency

County, District and Parish Councils have put into place climate emergency policies ensuring action at the local level to help meet the UK’s Net Zero target by 2050. Many communities are coming together to take climate action and Cambridgeshire ACRE is providing support through giving guidance and training, as well as offering community volunteering opportunities to get people involved in local environmental projects and activities. The National Lottery Heritage Fund funded the New Life on the Old West Project, where local communities are ‘making space for nature’ through changes in green space management.

Community building management committees are keen to do their part to tackle climate change and are working towards making their buildings more sustainable. Guidance is available for completing energy audits to support action plans to reduce energy, water and waste. Exemplar halls have now replaced their heating systems and are generating their own energy. More aspire to do the same in the years ahead.