Research - Impact of Covid on Village Halls

National ACRE has published the results of its research into the impact of Covid on village halls. The research was carried out as a follow-up to the detailed survey of England's community buildings conducted last year. The results shed light on the extent to which halls have been variously affected by three successive national lockdowns.  15% of halls contacted said they had played an active role in supporting their community during the pandemic. Taking advantage of exemptions in the regulations, they provided a limited number of ‘essential services’ to support vulnerable members of their community and help the NHS – sometimes without any additional resources. These services included providing childcare for key workers, contributing additional space to local schools and hosting foodbanks. But less optimistically, many halls expressed concern that they would find it hard to attract volunteers and users back once they reopen, particularly older generations who may be less inclined to meet in person.