Community buildings are the beating heart of Cambridgeshire’s villages and towns. From bustling village halls to modern multi-use centres, these spaces provide a hub for social activities, learning, and support. But managing and maintaining these facilities is no small feat. That’s where Cambridgeshire ACRE comes in, and we’re about to take our support to the next level!

 

Cambridgeshire ACRE has been a steadfast champion of rural communities for 100 years, offering tailored advice and training to help volunteer trustees manage community buildings. Our efforts are a lifeline for the 250+ community spaces we assist annually, but growing demand has highlighted the need for even greater support. Now, with nearly £250,000 in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to be spent over three years, Cambridgeshire ACRE is launching the Futureproofing Cambridgeshire’s Community Buildings project to help these vital spaces thrive for generations to come.

 

What will the project do?

The project focuses on two key areas: governance and sustainability.

 

1. Governance Support:

Volunteer trustees often juggle the complexities of legal compliance, financial management, and community engagement. To ease this burden, the project will deliver:

• Online and in-person training workshops
• One-on-one tailored support
• Templates for essential governance documents
• Action plans to help trustees tackle challenges step-by-step
• Networking events to share best practices and experiences

 

2. Sustainability Advice:

With environmental concerns at the forefront, the project aims to help community buildings reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. A new part-time Sustainability Advisor will:

• Conduct energy audits to identify improvements
• Develop action plans to address sustainability goals
• Provide ongoing one-on-one support
• Offer training on energy efficiency and funding opportunities

 

Why does this matter?

Community buildings play a critical role in fostering connections and providing services, but many face challenges such as rising costs, limited funding and complex regulations. Trustees often lack the time or expertise to address these issues alone. By expanding its services, Cambridgeshire ACRE hopes to empower trustees to:

• Manage their buildings with confidence
• Access resources to improve sustainability
• Build stronger, more resilient community spaces

 

A collaborative approach

Our work is deeply rooted in community feedback. During focus groups and consultations whilst we were developing this project, trustees voiced their desire for more accessible advice, funding guidance and networking opportunities. This input shaped the new initiative, ensuring it directly addresses our customers’ needs.

One exciting element of the project is the Steering Group, which will be composed of six or so trustees from across Cambridgeshire community buildings. This group will guide the project’s direction, suggest training themes and help plan the annual Community Buildings Conference, which takes place during National Village Halls Week in March each year.

 

New tools and resources

The project will also see us enhance several tools to support trustees, including:

• A monthly e-newsletter packed with legislative updates and funding opportunities
• An online members’ network for sharing resources and advice
• A directory of template policies for everything from health and safety to safeguarding
• A supplier directory to help trustees find trusted contractors for repairs and upgrades

 

The bigger picture

Cambridgeshire ACRE’s ultimate goal is to create a network of sustainable, well-managed community buildings that can adapt to future challenges. With plans to engage over 250 buildings and deliver tailored support, the project promises to have a lasting impact on the county’s community spaces and the people who rely on them.

 

Get involved

Whether you’re a trustee, a local resident, or a partner organisation, there are plenty of ways to get involved:

• Join the online network to connect with fellow trustees
• Attend training sessions and events
• Encourage your local community building to become a member of Cambridgeshire ACRE, if it’s not already

 

For more information, contact Lisa Chambers, Community Development Officer, on 01353 865048 or email lisa.chambers@cambsacre.org.uk. Let’s work together to futureproof Cambridgeshire’s community buildings and ensure they continue to thrive for years to come.