This year, VillageHallsWeek puts a spotlight on the importance of village halls to the health and wellbeing of rural communities!
Halls are often the only affordable spaces for local groups and residents to run activities. From exercise classes to craft groups to kids parties, they run a wide mix of social, cultural, and sports activities. The graphic below shows the huge varity of activities in just three village halls in Oxfordshire!
We all know how sports activities like yoga or badminton can support your health by improving fitness, but social groups like community cafes or arts classes are also key. A growing body of research shows that connecting with others and feeling part of a group is good for both your mental and physical health – and activities in halls provide just that.
The NHS highlights five stages to wellbeing, and we feel that halls offer a space for all of these:
– Connection – a space to build relationships and interact
– Keep learning – a space to engage in a new activity
– Be active – a place to do physical exercise
– Take notice – a space to think about the space around you
– Give back – a place where you can volunteer or give back to the community
We support community halls across Oxfordshire. To find out more or find your local hall, explore our page here.
Keep an eye out over the next few days for some inspiring case studies of halls around the county!
