Drawing from a personal place of pain and empathy, I, along with many others in our community, feel a sense of disheartening disconnect as a result of COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdowns. The fact is, we as humans are meant to be social, and the pandemic and associated isolation steeply eroded our collective morale, as well as our individual mental health. Our community groups are ladders helping us to climb out of these pits of isolation — they bring us together, create bonds, and lift spirits.

Our village hall is at the centre of these gatherings. But the high hire rates threaten to estrangle our communal efforts. To nurture our communities and assist in recovery, we need the board managing our village hall to consider lowering hire rates for community groups and regular users. This assistance is more than just a financial break—it's a lifeline to many.

According to a report published by the Mental Health Foundation in 2021, social interactions can significantly improve mental well-being and combat feelings of loneliness. Our village hall should be a tool to facilitate this healing, not a gate that locks many out due to cost barriers. Right now, in our post-lockdown world, the emotional and mental health of our community more than ever cannot be underestimated or disregarded.

Let us make our village hall a place to heal, connect, and rebuild our distraught community. Lower the village hall hire rates, enabling our community groups and regular users to gather without the financial burden. Sign this petition and let's foster a sense of belonging together once again.