VILLAGE Halls Week 2023 celebrates the many ways these volunteer-run rural community buildings support local residents, groups and businesses, particularly during difficult times.

As the country endures a cost-of-living crisis, rural communities have come to rely on their village halls as a place to keep warm, access basic services and socialise without the expense of travelling elsewhere.

Halls across Cumbria will be taking part in the national campaign week, from Monday, January 23, showcasing what they do for their community, and the opportunities they provide to people locally that would not otherwise exist.

Research conducted by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), who organise the annual campaign, found that in 60% of countryside areas, community buildings are the only place for local people to socialise.

Aside from hosting a wide range of social and recreational activities for residents, they also host vital services such as post offices, doctors’ surgeries and convenience shops, whilst supporting an estimated 50,000 people whose livelihoods depend on use of these buildings.

Local charity ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) has been supporting village and community halls throughout its 75-year history and is encouraging halls to take part in the national campaign, which this year focuses on the warm, welcoming and inclusive spaces village halls provide.

“There are so many great village and community halls here in Cumbria and we’re proud to support the volunteers who run them” Hellen Aitken, ACT’s Lead Village Halls Advisor said. With the cost of living crisis, times are difficult for many and its heartening to see the benefits these community spaces can make to rural communities.

“Village halls provide warm, welcoming and inclusive spaces all year round, but Village Halls Week is a good time to shout about it.”

Michael Ryan from Dalston Victory Hall said: “Our refurbished hall is open as a ‘Winter Warm Space’ 10am to 2pm every Friday until the end of March. It’s a lovely space for anyone in the Dalston community to get together, offering hot drinks and biscuits.

“People are also welcome to bring their own lunch, to eat together and socialise.

“We want to encourage a sense of community, to combat loneliness, ease concerns about energy bills and reduce the carbon footprint of the community.”

 

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