As part of Village Halls Week 2025, Cambridgeshire ACRE has revealed the staggering financial contribution of volunteer trustees who dedicate their time to keeping local village halls running. If the work done by these volunteers had to be paid for, it would cost an estimated £8.6 million per year based on the National Living Wage.

With 702,000 hours of volunteer time contributed annually across the county’s village halls, this figure underlines the critical role that unpaid trustees play in maintaining vital community spaces. Village halls serve as the heart of rural communities, providing a venue for social events, essential services and local businesses.

To put this into perspective, £8.6 million is enough to fund the construction of several new primary schools, repair over 160 miles of rural roads or cover the cost of more than 350 full-time care workers in Cambridgeshire. Yet, this vital work is done by dedicated volunteers at no cost to the public purse. The contribution of village hall trustees goes largely unrecognised, but without their efforts, rural communities would lose invaluable spaces for social connection, essential services and local enterprise.

Hayley Neal, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire ACRE, said:

“These figures highlight the true value of the volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping village halls open and thriving. Without them, our rural communities would lose essential spaces for connection, learning and support. Their work is not only invaluable, it is irreplaceable.”

Village halls are more than just buildings; they are hubs of rural life, hosting everything from fitness classes and toddler groups to polling stations and community warm hubs. Yet, behind the scenes, volunteers work tirelessly to manage finances, maintain buildings and ensure compliance with regulations.

With rising costs and increasing demand for community facilities, Cambridgeshire ACRE is calling for greater recognition and support for village hall trustees. The charity continues to provide guidance, training and resources to help trustees manage their responsibilities effectively.

As Village Halls Week celebrates its ninth year, Cambridgeshire ACRE urges everyone to take a moment to thank the volunteers who keep their local community building running. Whether it’s a simple ‘thank you’ or a message of appreciation, recognising their work can go a long way.

For those inspired by the dedication of village hall trustees, now is the perfect time to get involved. If you have ever benefitted from a village hall, whether for a class, an event or a community service, consider giving back by volunteering. Reach out to your local village hall to find out how you can help keep these vital spaces thriving for future generations. If you need help getting in touch, let us know and we can introduce you.