Cambridgeshire ACRE, a leading charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities in Cambridgeshire, met Ben Obese-Jecty, MP for Huntingdon, at Buckden Village Hall on Wednesday 14 August 2024. The visit was an opportunity for the MP to engage with the charity’s staff and learn more about their work in supporting the county’s rural population.

During the visit, Mr Obese-Jecty was briefed on the various challenges faced by rural communities in Huntingdon and the wider Cambridgeshire area. The discussion focused on key issues such as affordable housing, access to essential services such as community buildings, rural transport, and digital connectivity, which are vital for the sustainability of these communities.

Cambridgeshire ACRE’s Chief Executive, Hayley Neal, provided an overview of the charity’s ongoing projects, including initiatives to support and improve community facilities, and promote environmental sustainability. The MP praised the charity’s efforts and emphasised the importance of addressing the unique needs of rural areas, which are often overlooked in broader policy discussions.

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion where staff members shared their experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of continued government support for rural development programmes.

“It is great to meet an organisation that can support the rural communities in my constituency with the many issues they face. Thank you to Cambridgeshire ACRE for opening my eyes to the local challenges around community buildings, affordable housing, transport and so much more – their work spans the whole gamut of rural community life. I am sure I will be signposting my constituents to Cambridgeshire ACRE for support in future” said Mr Obese-Jecty as he was leaving the meeting.

Cambridgeshire ACRE works alongside the rural communities of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to offer support, resources and specialist advice to communities and partners across a wide range of areas connected to rural community life.

For 100 years Cambridgeshire ACRE have helped communities to take action to make positive changes to their local neighbourhoods, by supporting volunteers to lead community projects, bringing local organisations together to drive meaningful change or amplifying the voices of parish and community members, the charity is deeply embedded in rural community life.