help for communities
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
community buildings and spaces
halls, centres, churches, clubs, and shared spaces are at the heart of Somerset life. We offer friendly, independent advice and practical support to the volunteers who run them.
Whether you’re new to managing a community space or looking to grow your impact, we are here to help. Find your nearest space on our Community Spaces Locator map.
community buildings and spaces membership
from £20 +VAT
what benefits do I get?
- A free first hour of expert consultation
- Access to 100+ specialist info sheets (worth £1,000) in our Online Members Area
- Regular updates on legislation, funding, events, marketing and more.
- Discounts on training in governance, fundraising, safeguarding & more
- Promotion via our Community Buildings Locator Map
- Exclusive supplier discounts on staging, booking systems & more
“it’s good to know that you’re there to answer queries about procedure and legislation, vital to the day-to-day running of our hall.”
hall committee member
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
rural affordable housing
Local people are finding it hard to afford homes in villages and the countryside.
Our Rural Housing Enabler project provides independent support to help deliver affordable homes across Somerset settlements of 3,000 people or less.
Whether you’re a parish council or a community group, we’re here to guide you through the process, keeping your community in the lead every step of the way. We offer tailored advice on planning, funding, identifying land, and working with housing associations or community land trusts.
Every scheme is unique, and we adapt our support to match your stage in the journey.
Funded by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) distributed through ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), a national body representing local organisations such as ours.
Nicola Rusling, Stoke Sub Hamdon
We can help identify the number and size of affordable homes needed in a parish, and the downsizing options required. We also help identify potential Rural Exception Sites for affordable homes where private development would not be allowed.
what is rural affordable housing?
These homes are for local people who can’t afford market prices. They’re owned by social landlords or trusts and offered at below-market rents or shared ownership. Legal agreements ensure they remain for local people long-term.
need evidence of local demand?
We can carry out a Housing Needs Survey to support planning and funding decisions.
interested in starting a scheme?
Get in touch with us.
“…The shortage of affordable housing is perhaps one of the biggest threats to opportunity in the countryside. But rural communities need to have a say in the homes that get built…”
Richard Quallington, Former Executive Director of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE)
Understand Your Community with a Community Review
supporting town and parish councils
GREENER BUILDINGS
decarb somerset
This project supported buildings across the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to improve energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. The project has now closed, but the resources created remain available to help organisations across Somerset better understand their energy use and identify actions that can reduce environmental impact and support a more sustainable future.