16th March 2026
Celebrating the start of Village Halls Week, community development charity and village halls specialist ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) has championed the vital role village halls play in keeping rural residents healthy, active and connected. :contentReference[oaicite:0]
Village hall volunteers from across the county gathered at Braithwaite Institute, near Keswick, on Saturday 14th March to kick-start the national campaign celebrating the health, wellbeing and community benefits provided by local halls. The campaign is led by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and this year focuses on the connection between village halls and the NHS Five Steps to Wellbeing: Connecting, Being Active, Learning, Giving and Taking Notice. :contentReference[oaicite:1]
People are being encouraged to share photographs and stories on social media using #VillageHallsWeek to celebrate the activities taking place in their local community buildings. :contentReference[oaicite:2]
Hellen Aitken, ACT's Lead Village Hall Advisor, said:
"Village halls are more than bricks and mortar, they're spaces where people exercise, socialise, learn and support each other. They enrich lives for all ages, prevent isolation, and ease pressure on local health services.
"We know when communities are connected people feel happier, healthier and much more engaged. This special week doesn't only highlight the immeasurable positive impact that these venues have on their communities but is also a big thank you to the thousands of volunteers who keep them up and running." :contentReference[oaicite:3]
Special thanks were given to volunteers from Burgh by Sands, Culgaith, Warcop, Holme and Newton in Cartmel, who shared examples of how their halls support local people through activities including coffee mornings, art groups, community walks, Bat and Chat sessions, sound baths, live performances, exercise classes, Raucous Chorus, pickleball and many more. Contributions were also made by the North West Ambulance Charity, Arts Out West, Highlights Rural Touring Scheme and Active Cumbria. :contentReference[oaicite:4]
Helen Leech from Culgaith Village Hall said:
"It's Village Halls Week, and I was pleased to take an in-depth look at the Vic Community Café which runs in Culgaith Village Hall every Thursday afternoon. A village hall is an essential conduit for socialising, exchanging information and meeting, and there's nothing like chocolate cake for encouraging a sense of well-being." :contentReference[oaicite:5]
Nick Waterfield from Burgh by Sands Parish Hall said:
"Taking part in Village Halls Week is a great chance for us to highlight how we are working in our communities to promote Health and Wellbeing and help people to take part in everyday activities that they love doing." :contentReference[oaicite:6]
Wendy Welburn from Newton in Cartmel Village Hall added:
"Our Village Hall is a lovely place where we can all come together to enjoy each other's company and create memories." :contentReference[oaicite:7]
Village Halls Week runs from 16th–22nd March 2026 and shines a spotlight on the contribution made by more than 10,000 village halls and community buildings across rural Britain. These spaces continue to play a vital role in supporting health, wellbeing and social connection in communities of all sizes. :contentReference[oaicite:8]
