Get Involved
Ready to make a real difference in rural communities? Whether you've got five minutes or five hours, there's a meaningful way for you to contribute to the future of village halls, community centres, and rural social spaces across Britain.
Your Community Needs You
Since 2015, we've seen 847 village halls close their doors forever. But we've also witnessed extraordinary transformations — communities coming together to save, revive, and reimagine their local spaces. The question isn't whether you can help. It's how.
Volunteer Your Skills
Got expertise to share? Rural communities desperately need skilled volunteers who understand the unique challenges of village-level social infrastructure.
Practical Support
From basic maintenance to full renovations — your hands-on skills could save a community space. We connect trades professionals with halls needing urgent repairs (often at cost price or pro bono).
Professional Expertise
Legal advice, financial planning, grant applications, marketing support. Rural committees often lack these crucial skills — but you might have exactly what they need.
Strategic Mentoring
Guide communities through complex decisions about ownership models, business planning, or facility improvements. Your experience could be the catalyst for transformation.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
- Community Research Assistants — Help us map threatened rural spaces (2-3 hours weekly, remote work possible)
- Grant Application Reviewers — Support communities with funding bids using your professional background
- Digital Skills Trainers — Teach committee members essential online tools for modern hall management
- Peer-to-Peer Mentors — Share your own community space experience with struggling halls
- Event Support Volunteers — Help with our quarterly networking events and annual conference
Support Through Donations
Every pound goes directly to communities that need it most. We operate on a lean model — 89.3% of donations reach front-line community projects.
Where Your Money Goes
- Emergency Repairs Fund — Immediate support for halls facing closure due to urgent maintenance issues
- Community Ownership Grants — Help communities buy their local pub, shop, or hall when it comes up for sale
- Equipment & Technology — Modern AV systems, accessibility improvements, energy efficiency upgrades
- Training & Development — Skills workshops for committee members and community leaders
- Research & Advocacy — Policy work to protect rural social infrastructure at national level
Giving Options
Monthly Membership
£15/month provides predictable funding we can count on. Members receive quarterly updates and invites to exclusive community visits.
One-off Donations
Any amount makes a difference. £50 covers a community consultation session. £250 funds a feasibility study. £1,000 can save a hall from closure.
Legacy Gifts
Remember rural communities in your will. Legacy gifts provide long-term security for our most ambitious community ownership projects.
Partnership Opportunities
Looking to align your organisation with meaningful community work? We partner with businesses, foundations, local authorities, and other charities to amplify our collective impact.
Corporate Partnerships
Demonstrate genuine corporate responsibility by supporting rural communities. Our partnerships offer employee volunteering opportunities, team-building through community projects, and measurable social impact reporting.
Current corporate partners include regional construction firms, accountancy practices, and rural-focused service providers who understand the importance of strong community infrastructure.
Foundation Collaboration
Grant-making trusts and foundations — let's discuss how our community-led approach aligns with your funding priorities. We can provide detailed impact measurement and connect you directly with beneficiary communities.
We particularly welcome partnerships focused on rural regeneration, social cohesion, community ownership, or heritage preservation.
Local Authority Partnerships
Parish councils, district authorities, county councils — we understand the pressures you face with shrinking budgets and growing community needs. Our partnership model helps you achieve more with less.
We can provide specialist community development support, facilitate community asset transfers, and help you identify sustainable solutions for rural service delivery. Recent collaborations have saved councils an average of £23,000 per community space while improving local satisfaction scores by 34%.
"Working with Village Community Hubs transformed how we approach rural community development. Their expertise in community ownership models saved us months of trial and error — and ultimately saved three village halls in our district."
— Sarah Matthews, Community Development Officer, Somerset County Council
Start Community Action in Your Area
Sometimes the best way to get involved is to take action where you are. Is your local village hall struggling? Community centre under threat? Here's how to make things happen.
Assess the Situation
What exactly is at risk? Who currently runs things? What are the main challenges — financial, structural, governance, or community engagement?
Build Your Team
Find 3-5 committed locals with complementary skills. You need someone good with money, someone who understands planning/legal issues, and someone with strong community connections.
Develop a Plan
What's your vision for the space? How will it be sustainable? What governance structure makes sense? Our planning toolkit provides templates and guidance.
Take Action
Start with small wins to build momentum. Organise community events, apply for grants, begin conversations with current owners or managers.
We'll Support You Every Step
You don't have to figure this out alone. Our community action support includes:
- Initial Consultation — Free 90-minute session to assess your situation and identify the best approach
- Resource Library Access — Templates, guides, case studies, and legal frameworks specific to your type of community space
- Peer Network — Connect with other community action groups facing similar challenges
- Expert Introductions — Access to our network of specialists in community ownership, grant funding, and rural development
- Ongoing Mentoring — Regular check-ins with experienced community development practitioners
Remember — successful community action often takes 12-18 months from initial concern to tangible results. But the impact lasts for generations.
"When our village pub closed, we thought that was it for our community hub. But with Village Community Hubs' support, we bought the building, converted part of it into a community shop and post office, and now it's more vital than ever. It took 14 months, but it was absolutely worth the effort."
— Michael Chen, Chair, Thornbury Community Hub Committee
Ready to Make a Difference?
Every thriving rural community started with someone who decided to act. Whether you volunteer an hour a month or dedicate yourself to saving your local hall — your contribution matters.
Questions?
Call us on +44 117 435 06 26 or email contact@villagecommunityhubs.com
Visit Us
St Alban The Martyr Church, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, England, SM1 2EZ
Follow Progress
Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter for updates on communities you've helped support