As Cambridgeshire ACRE’s Village Halls Advisor, I focus on helping village halls stay open, confident and at the heart of community life.

 

Communities are stronger when their shared spaces feel welcoming, cared for and used. My work helps volunteers gain confidence to keep village halls open and active, reducing the risk of isolation and loss of local services. When people feel supported, buildings that once felt uncertain can become lively places where communities reconnect.

I work alongside village hall volunteers and trustees, offering reassurance, practical advice and trusted connections. By listening carefully and drawing on my own experience as a trustee, I help people navigate challenges without feeling overwhelmed. This hands‑on support enables local committees to make informed decisions and feel more secure in their roles.

At a wider level, this work matters because many rural communities rely on a small number of volunteers to sustain essential spaces. With increasing pressures on time, funding and skills, village halls can easily falter. Through Cambridgeshire ACRE, my role helps build resilience across the county, ensuring these buildings continue to provide access to services, social connection and local decision‑making.

A moment that mattered to me

“Standing in a little‑used village hall, I watched residents come together at a public meeting to form a new committee. With encouragement and time, a space they feared losing began to feel shared again, reminding me how confidence can help communities reclaim what matters.”