Safeguarding and your community building

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) has been awarded over £100k from the National Lottery Community Fund to promote good safeguarding practice to village and community halls throughout England.

We are working to make sure that the voluntary management committees that run halls and community buildings have the knowledge and confidence to provide a safe environment for all.

Advice and examples of best practice is shared with those managing and using village and community halls so that they fully understand their responsibilities and have appropriate and proportionate policies and procedures in place.

The project is being rolled out using our network of 38 county-based members who already provide support to rural village and community halls.  As part of the network, YMCA Lincolnshire is working with management committees to help you understand current legislation around safeguarding and make sure procedures are in place which reflect good practice.

Ultimately, our aim is to increase awareness of the importance of safeguarding and making sure that these important rural assets are welcoming and safe places for all.

England’s 10,000 village halls are at the heart of rural community life – providing a hub for social activities, classes and services. Through its network of skilled advisers, ACRE supports the 80,000 volunteers who run village halls and similar rural community buildings.

Contact Janet Clark Community Facilities Advisor on 01529 3019602 or email janet.clark@lincsymca.co.uk