Action With Communities in Rural England - Update

Thousands of village halls will be temporarily closing their doors to the communities they have supported; some for over 100 years. For the community there is dismay and uncertainty about when they will be open again and their committees will be taking a hard look at the long-term future of their Hall.

We have spoken to committees who feel they are in a precarious situation but also to those who have enough reserves to keep them going.

WHAT IS ACRE DOING?

• In the early stages of the crisis we provided guidance to the ACRE Network on the process for Halls considering closure of their Hall
• We have been in discussion with the rural team at Defra so that they are fully informed of the issues facing village halls now. Defra are working closely with the Communities Team at the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government. Thank you to those village hall committees who have come forward and provided detail of the likely financial impact should the hall need to stay closed for a long period.
• ACRE Board and Senior Management are working alongside other infrastructure bodies to clarify how the proposals for supporting businesses can also support charities.
• ACRE is now in discussion with Government for financial support fund for halls at risk.

CLOSURES

We are aware that some village halls are considering closure due to the risks associated with Covid19. In some instances the fact that many committee members fall into high risk categories makes it difficult to keep a hall operational; for many, the cancellation of meetings and events makes the decision inevitable.

Halls should make arrangements to regularly review the official advice being given and local circumstances to minimise the period for which the hall is closed; to understand the impact this is having on the community and to consider any circumstances in which the hall might be made available.

Halls may be required by local emergency response teams or community support arrangements that have been set up specifically to address the impact of Covid19. The management committee should plan to facilitate this.

Please be aware that the events that take place in village halls are important in addressing isolation, loneliness, depression, health and welfare. Consideration needs to be given to setting up other community networks that will identify those at risk and help vulnerable individuals. Organisers of regular events can play a part in ensuring that the people they engage with are supported through a closure period.

For specific advice please contact our village halls advisor: Martin Rich 07984001542 / martin@devoncommunities.org.uk