Unsung heroes behind England’s village halls

saluted for Volunteers’ Week

In every corner of the country, village halls act as a focal point for rural communities, providing people of all ages with a safe space in which they can connect with others, learn new skills and enjoy an active social life.

And with more than 10,000 halls currently up and running across rural England, it is often teams of local volunteers who take responsibility for keeping the lights switched on and the doors wide open.

Now, as the country marks Volunteers’ Week, which runs each year during the first week of June, Action with Communities in Rural England is taking part in the national salute and saying a big thank you to the unsung heroes behind village halls.

ACRE is the only national charity speaking up for all people living outside of towns and cities, and part of its work is to support its 38 Network members, each of whom is a representative of the rural communities within their respective county, in helping local village halls to thrive.

Deborah Clarke, Village Halls Manager, Action with Communities in Rural England, said: “It’s sometimes easy to underestimate the importance of village halls, and the vital role the buildings play in supporting everyday life within rural communities.

“More than just bricks and mortar, a village hall is so often the lifeblood of the community it serves, and gives local people – most of whom would have to travel far to access the types of amenities, social spaces and leisure facilities that those in urban areas take for granted – a place they can call their own.

“Despite their enormous social value, most village halls are run entirely on goodwill, and it’s these people who we share our thanks with during Volunteers’ Week.

“Without them and their unwavering drive and desire to support others in the local area, England’s village halls would inevitably suffer, and this would ultimately be a real blow to the lives and livelihoods of people living in rural communities.”

The day-to-day work of a village hall volunteer often takes place behind-the-scenes with little fuss or fanfare, with their work ranging from essential maintenance and ground repairs to event planning and financial administration.

On top of this, as well as everything else that goes in to maintaining a vibrant village hall, volunteers also have a pivotal role in planning, organising and hosting events as part of the annual Village Halls Week.

This year’s campaign saw hundreds of volunteer-led events and activities hosted at village halls across the country, giving communities across rural England a unique opportunity to come together not only to celebrate these cherished spaces, but also to ensure that the buildings can be preserved for generations to come.

Now in its 42nd year, Volunteers Week’ is led by the UK Volunteering Forum, which is comprised of Volunteer Scotland, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 instalment, the UK Volunteering Forum said: “Volunteers bring a richness to organisations across the country.

“Without volunteers many charities just simply could not function, with so many people giving up their time and going above and beyond.

“The week is a chance for all of us to show just how vital they are to charities and communities everywhere.”

Further details on Volunteers Week’, as well as information on how to get involved in the seven-day celebrations, can be found online at www.volunteersweek.org.

“Despite their enormous social value, most village halls are run entirely on goodwill, and it’s these people who we share our thanks with during Volunteers’ Week”

Deborah Clarke, Village Halls Manager