Vibrant Villages
Devon Communities Together has been awarded £250,000 across three years from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to support our 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!
Why is this important?
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 we visited 360 of Devon’s halls during our 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.
What will we be doing?
The Vibrant Villages project will help ensure these important spaces remain resilient and relevant to modern rural life. At the heart of the project is our 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.
We will also be supporting 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.
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!
Meet our team!
Project Manager, Jenny Archard - jenny.archard@devoncommunities.org.uk
Rural Community Connector, North Devon and Torridge, Claire Hickson - claire.hickson@devoncommunities.org.uk
Rural Community Connector, South and West Devon, Cluna Donnelly - cluna.donnelly@devoncommunities.org.uk
Rural Community Connector, East Devon, Anna Squire - anna.squire@devoncommunities.org.uk
