COMMITTEES which run village halls and other community spaces across the county are being urged to fill in a survey that is only carried out once a decade.
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) is working with Power to Change and Sheffield Hallam University, along with Community First in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The crucial poll is being distributed to 10,000 village halls across England by the ACRE Network members.
The data will be used to help secure funding for halls, ensure advice and information adapts to the challenges facing volunteer hall committees and that the ACRE Network can continue to provide the very best support.
ACRE wants to hear from everyone running buildings which provide spaces for their communities – not just traditional village halls but community centres, sports pavilions, church halls, churches, WI halls and community pubs providing meeting rooms.
Community First in Herefordshire and Worcestershire general manager Mark Herriott said completing the survey will enable it to make the case for resources and review the support needed to sustain community buildings and develop them so they can thrive in the future.
“Village Halls in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are vital places for people to meet, especially in our rural communities where it is often the only meeting place.
ACRE’s Deborah Clarke added: “Whilst it’s essential for us to have the hard data as evidence to support our work the information collected will paint a picture of the social and economic impact on communities of having a hall in their community and it provides a detailed look at social change over time.
“We are extremely grateful to all the hall committees that give their time to manage village halls and will take the time to complete this survey.”
Visit comfirst.org.uk/the_national_village_and_community_halls_survey to complete the survey.
