The idea
Kent ACRE is spearheading the evolution of village halls into vibrant community hubs, ensuring essential services reach rural areas. Building on our existing expertise in governance, facilitation, and fundraising, we aim to transform these spaces into local support centres addressing crucial needs like mental health, domestic abuse support, and other vital services often unavailable outside urban centres. Partnering with NHS mental health services, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), other agencies and various charities, we will deliver tailored aid directly to communities. We will work closely with parish councils, community wardens, and local groups to identify and prioritise services, ensuring no one is left behind. Kent ACRE strives to strengthen rural areas by making critical resources accessible at the heart of the community, fostering support and inclusion for all.
What we'll deliver
- A permanent and responsive Village Hall Advisor
- A high value membership scheme for both village halls and parish councils with member only content on our website
- A comprehensive survey to determine specific needs and demand for community support and engagement
- A plan to deliver tailored aid to rural communities to ensure ease of access to vital health and wellbeing services
- A schedule of events to support village hall trustees to prepare for becoming vibrant and inclusive community hubs
Why it's a great idea
- Enhanced collaboration and partnerships with organisations like the NHS, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and charities to ensure a comprehensive, tailored service delivery.
- Strengthened local governance and community leadership through direct engagement with parish councils and local groups.
- Improved resource allocation by identifying and prioritising community-specific needs, ensuring no resources are wasted.
- Increased awareness and destigmatisation of issues such as mental health and domestic abuse in rural areas.
- Empowered rural communities by turning village halls into proactive, multifunctional support centres.
- Improved rural connectivity and service delivery through sustained advisory and facilitation support from Kent ACRE experts.
- Proactive outreach and early intervention strategies to prevent long-term issues within underserved populations.
Steps to get it done
- Hiring a permanent Village Hall Advisor
- Launching a website
- Delivering a survey to parish councils and village halls and other community groups
- Analysing the results of the survey and engaging with communities to develop appropriate new initiatives
- Finalising a collaboration business plan with the NHS (Mental Health) and other agencies
- Holding 4 Launch events across Kent & Medway
