About the project

This village hall was in complete disrepair, we didn’t think we could save it. A previously much-loved place for the community, in a village with a high proportion of elderly people at risk of social isolation. A real old building with shoddy walls, no heating (big reason for lack of use by the community), poor kitchen, no safe outdoor space, especially for those with mobility issues, of which there are many in the local community.

Our first project funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with Stratford-upon-Avon District Council, match-funded by Sport England and supported by Dulux.

The project:

• Co-funded heating through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund*
• Repaired and repainted all of their interior walls and rooms
• Fitted a new kitchen
• Constructed a safe, outdoor accessible decking area where previously the area was inaccessible to people with mobility issues
• Project supported by local young people and volunteers from the village

Impact since the project:

• Dance group who use the hall twice per week now returning, providing good regular income
• Seated exercise group well established since the renovations and will continue after the funded sessions end due to popularity (facilitated via introduction to Think Active through VIY) 
• Fundraising events and plans in full swing, the renovations attracting more to both hire the hall and attend events, keeping the space financially secure, open & local people active in many different ways
• Opened to rave reviews and feedback from the community – particularly heating and overall welcoming appearance
• Outdoor physical activity planned for the summer on the decking
• “Revitalising the hall has guaranteed a financially secure future with a regular income stream enabling the hall to serve as an active village centre for decades ahead.” Temple Grafton Village Hall Committee, Stratford-upon-Avon, May 2023

Young people involved: 12 young people from Catch-22 and Think Forward

Accreditations gained: 7 Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditations in Carpentry

About the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus