Independent charity and Rural Community Council for Devon, Devon Communities Together has been awarded £250,000 across three years from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to support its new Vibrant Villages initiative, a project that will have a big impact on helping rural communities shape the services and decisions that affect their lives, with a particular focus on Village Halls as thriving rural community hubs.
Village Halls already play a vital role in rural areas as trusted places where people meet, access activities and connect with services. The potential to expand on their position as community hubs for modern rural life was identified by Devon Communities Together when it visited 360 of Devon’s halls during its Village Halls Audit to listen to the experiences and ambitions of the committees. However, unlike many other community facilities, Village Halls do not receive direct government funding at either national or local level. As a result, many rely heavily on volunteers and community fundraising to stay open and active.
Th Vibrant Villages project will help ensure these important spaces remain resilient and relevant to modern rural life. At the heart of the project will be three new Rural Community Connectors, who will work with Village Halls across Devon. These locally based roles will support communities to listen to diverse local voices, including those that may not usually be heard, bringing people together with the opportunity to influence the services and support available in their communities.
The funding will also support training for community members to help them build new skills and confidence, as well as a series of local events and workshops where residents, community leaders and organisations can work together on what matters most to local people.
Devon Communities Together’s Funding Development Manager, Natalie Campbell, said: “Vibrant Villages comes at a crucial time for rural and coastal areas, as forthcoming changes to local government structures are likely to mean that Parish and Town Councils and community organisations will be expected to play a greater role in shaping local services. While this shift offers new opportunities for communities to influence their futures, many local groups currently lack the resources and confidence to take on these responsibilities. We aim to increase diversity and sustainability in community involvement going forward.
“By supporting Village Halls to act as inclusive places for connection, local services and decision-making, Vibrant Villages aims to help communities move from ideas to action.”
For further information on Vibrant Villages and to get involved with the initiative, visit https://www.devoncommunities.org.uk/projects/vibrant-villages , email info@devoncommunities.org.uk or call 01392 248919.
