The exchange provided practical insights into governance structures, good practice, and options for reorganisation. We increased our understanding and confidence, with feedback noting the value of “helpful governance information” and learning that could be “taken back and applied” within our own organisations. Hearing directly from other halls also helped ground this learning in real-life examples, supporting more informed decision-making around sustainability and future planning.

The usefulness of “learning about funding opportunities” and gaining a clearer understanding of where to go for advice and support meant people could be signposted to other organisations and networks, helping attendees feel better equipped to access ongoing guidance and practical assistance.

We particularly valued the opportunity to connect with others, with comments referencing the benefit of “sharing ideas” and “meeting other hall volunteers.” This peer learning element supported the development of new ideas to increase participation and strengthen community connections, particularly in relation to health and wellbeing activities.

Learning Outcomes

• Stronger, more sustainable organisations: Village halls and community spaces will leave with clearer knowledge of funding routes, governance models and management best practice. This strengthens trustee confidence, supports long-term planning, and helps halls remain financially and operationally sustainable.

• Increased Collaboration and Peer Support: By bringing together around 60 people from 30+ halls and community spaces, the event builds relationships across the region. Sharing challenges and solutions reduces organisational isolation, encourages partnership working, and creates ongoing peer networks that extend beyond the event itself. Raising awareness of the Community Spaces network (run by Social Enterprise Scotland and Scottish Rural Action), as an accessible and supportive platform for ongoing peer support and learning.

• Improved Health and Wellbeing Outcomes: Ultimately, stronger halls and community spaces mean stronger communities. By enhancing skills and confidence, the event supports halls to deliver inclusive activities that reduce loneliness, increase social connection, and improve physical and mental wellbeing across the region. This feeds into the aims of wider Village Halls Week campaign, which focuses on the theme “Connecting communities to health and wellbeing,” highlighting how these rural spaces support the NHS “Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing”.

"The exchange generated a number of wider benefits for participants, particularly in terms of peer support, inspiration, and renewed motivation. A key benefit was the opportunity for networking and relationship-building across the village halls and community spaces in the region. Many participants highlighted the value of connecting with others in similar roles, sharing experiences, and learning from different approaches. This helped to reduce feelings of isolation often experienced by volunteers and trustees, and fostered a stronger sense of being part of a wider, supportive network."