Bringing Support to Our Rural Communities
Kerry Griffiths, Village Agent for Ladden Brook, South Gloucestershire at the West of England Rural Network (WERN) blogs about connecting rural residents with essential services and support.
Community Oil Buying Scheme suspended for April 2026
Due to the current and ongoing instability in the Middle East, global oil prices have escalated and continue to be vulnerable to price fluctuations and capacity uncertainty.
It’s Village Hall Week
Organised by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), Village Hall Week provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the amazing contribution of all of the individuals who help to keep more than 10,000 Village Halls at the heart of their communities.
Rural community needs must be factored into transport plan for West of England region
Dick Whittington, WERN’s Rural Project Manager blogs about his experience of supporting rural community transport groups and the need for policy makers to actively involve local residents in designing solutions.
WERN awarded National Lottery funding to improve support & representation for rural communities
The £100k grant will help the charity address key challenges driving disadvantage in rural areas by inspiring and backing community-led initiatives
Small grants for rural community buildings
A Defra funded grant scheme reopened on 10 November 2025, aiming to support smaller projects that enhance, upgrade, extend or improve a village hall or community building.
Transport provision must be improved if rural residents are to benefit from NHS reform
West of England Rural Network (WERN) urges policy makers to consider the circumstances and needs of rural residents as reform of the NHS gets underway.
WERN says fond farewell to longest serving Village Agent
Lyndsay Newman will leave her role at the end of August, having supported people to remain independent in their homes since 2013
Rural ambition: enabling rural communities to survive
WERN welcomes Action with Communities in Rural England’s new strategy
Tech Ready: improving digital confidence
A lack of confidence using digital technology leaves many older people feeling isolated. Here’s how we’re helping older rural residents in North Somerset.
Listening first: supporting rural communities to unlock affordable housing
Alison Ward, WERN’s Rural Housing Enabler blogs for #RuralHousingWeek about her experience of working with communities locally to help them secure developments suitable to their needs
Further grant funding for village halls
Further grant funding is being made available by government to help restore and modernise rural community buildings across England.
WERN appoints new Chief Executive
Phillip Vincent, a champion of rural community development, joined the charity on 1 May
