Tees Valley Rural Action

03/06/2026

What a brilliant day at our Food Hub with The Bread and Butter Thing! 🥖🧈

Once again, our fantastic volunteers absolutely smashed it — keeping everything running smoothly and supporting our community with their usual mix of hard work, humour and heart. 💚

Today was our second Big Brew session ☕💬 and we opened the doors a little earlier so everyone could grab a cuppa and have a good chat while we all get used to the new system.

A huge thank you to our lovely members for your patience and positivity — you make the place feel like home. 🤗

And can we talk about the venue for a second… because honestly, we might just have the fanciest food club in Tees Valley. 😄✨

Chandeliers! Sparkle! Style! The amazing staff from The Loftus Club clearly know how to dress a room — and they’re not even finished with the refurb yet. 💡💎

Proud of our people. Proud of our community. Proud of what we’re building together. 💛

02/06/2026

📢 Have you seen the latest update on the Skinningrove Flood Alleviation Scheme?

This short video explains more about the project and the difference it could make for our community.

We'd also like to remind residents about the upcoming Community Event at Skinningrove Village Hall, where you can find out more about the construction phase of the scheme, ask questions, and speak with representatives involved in the project.

📅 Thursday 4th June
🕒 3pm–7pm
📍 Skinningrove Village Hall

There will also be a craft corner for children (and adults!) to help create artwork for the site hoardings, so come along and get involved.

https://youtu.be/KYISncKudiY?si=QuH3ANPAjLXYfqCY

🎥 Watch the video below and join us on Thursday to learn more about this important project for Skinningrove.

The Environment Agency is working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough...

02/06/2026

Great to be back in for my latest surgery this week! 👍

A few different issues covered, including crime, solar panels, and the village hall lease, which I discussed with Helen from the Village Hall and Sam from Tees Valley Rural Action. I will do what I can to help. Thanks to everyone who came - that’s surgery number 8️⃣6️⃣ done so far!

Next up is on Friday 12th. Book your slot here: lukemyer.uk/surgeries

01/06/2026

🎉 Happy Volunteers' Week! 🎉

Today, our Community Transport volunteers came together for some long-awaited MiDAS training.

These fantastic volunteers make it possible for us to provide drivers for community groups that don't have their own, helping more people access our minibus service.

It was a great opportunity to share ideas, gather feedback, and celebrate the incredible contribution our volunteers make to the community. We rounded off the day with a meal and good company.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers – your time, dedication and support make a real difference.

If you could spare sometime to join our volunteer team please get in touch.

Follow along as we celebrate more of our amazing volunteers from across the region this week

27/05/2026

☕✨ A lovely new addition in Loftus! ✨☕
We’re proud to be supporting another great addition to The Bread and Butter Thing session in Loftus on Wednesdays — The Big Brew Time!

Now running 30 minutes before the session starts at 2pm, you can come along early, grab yourself a free brew, enjoy a chat, and beat the queue 💬☕

It’s a simple idea that makes a big difference — creating a warm, welcoming space where people can connect, feel supported, and be part of their community ❤️

📢 Want to get involved?
Take a look at the poster to find out how to become a member, or get in touch if you’d like to volunteer.

We’re always looking for more helping hands to ensure this fantastic food club continues to support local residents 🙌

Together with East Cleveland Good Neighbours Support & Food Bank we’re helping keep this important service running for the community 💛 Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

22/05/2026

📢 The ‘rural penalty’ is real – and it’s costing communities

A new Rural Poverty in Britain report from the Labour Rural Research Group and Countryside Alliance highlights the tough reality for people living in rural areas — higher costs, fewer services, and greater challenges.

At TVRA, we welcome research like this that puts rural voices front and centre and shines a spotlight on the issues our communities face every day.

The report calls for a stronger, joined-up Rural Strategy and sets out practical recommendations to improve support where it’s needed most.

👉 Take a look: https://tinyurl.com/53yh4ubd

22/05/2026

⚠️ Have you heard about Martyn’s Law?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – also known as Martyn’s Law – received Royal Assent in April 2025 and is expected to come into force in 2027, following an implementation period.

So, what does this mean for village halls and community spaces?

✅ There’s nothing you need to do just yet – compliance won’t be required until the law comes into force. However, now is a good time to start familiarising yourself with what may be expected.

✅ The law will introduce requirements for certain premises and events – this generally means places where the public gather, such as village halls, community centres and organised events.

✅ What’s expected will depend on things like capacity and the type of activity, but importantly, the approach is designed to be proportionate and practical. Smaller community venues are likely to need simple measures (like basic awareness and emergency procedures), rather than anything complex or costly.

✅ The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been appointed as the regulator and is currently consulting on its guidance, with feedback open until 12 June 2026.

👉 You can find more information on GOV.UK or via ProtectUK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/martyns-law-the-sias-new-regulatory-role/martyns-law-the-sias-new-regulatory-role

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/martyns-law-overview-and-what-you-need-know

We’ll be sharing more details on what Martyn’s Law means specifically for rural communities, village halls and community buildings across Tees Valley soon — so keep an eye on our page so you don’t miss out 👀

18/05/2026

Do you know the symptoms of Dementia?💙
Dementia Action Week (18th-24th May) is all about raising awareness, building understanding and helping people access the support, advice and services available for those living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.
Find out what’s happening across Teesside by following the link
👉 https://dementiaactionteesside.org/
Taking just a few minutes to learn today could make a real difference to someone tomorrow 💙

15/05/2026

Looking for funding and recognition for a local village hall or community space? Launched today - Check out this brilliant initiative and plenty of time to get your thinking caps on 🌟

The Village Halls Podcast, sponsored by Allied Westminster, has just launched the latest Village Halls Inspiration Awards. They are looking to celebrate the amazing people and projects keeping UK village halls thriving, with some brilliant prizes on offer:

💰 1st Prize: £2,500 | 2nd Prize: £1,500 | 3rd Prize: £1,000

If you know a hall that has made a real difference recently—whether through sustainability, new ideas, or overcoming challenges—make sure they apply!

📝 Entries are open now until 31st October 2026.
🔗 Find out more and enter here: https://thevillagehallspodcast.com/inspiration-awards-2026/

Tag a village hall below that deserves to win! 👇

14/05/2026

What a fabulous few days at the Action with Communities in Rural England - ACRE Village Hall Advisers Conference 🏡

A huge thank you to everyone for such a warm welcome and for creating such a supportive and inspiring environment. It was fantastic to network with village hall advisers and rural community organisations from across the country, sharing our learning journeys, experiences and ideas.

There was so much valuable discussion around supporting village halls and strengthening rural communities, alongside some truly brilliant speakers and workshops 🙌

We’re coming away with lots of new ideas, contacts and inspiration to bring back and share locally. Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a fantastic event!