Welcome to the Virtual Village Hall

Welcome to the Virtual Village Hall, brought to you by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The Virtual Village Hall is a programme of themed online activities designed to enjoy at home. Sessions are led by expert tutors, Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinators, volunteers and some well-known faces, and require very little space or equipment. You’ll find a wide range of sessions to take part in, like creative arts and crafts, music and singing, cooking and baking, dance and exercise, and technology skills. Join in with live sessions or catch up on demand when suits it you.

We really hope that you will enjoy using the Virtual Village Hall. To ensure your health and safety and also to make sure that you understand the legal basis on which the Virtual Village Hall is being brought to you, please read over the following important information before you take part in any of the online activities or join the Virtual Village Hall Facebook Group.

View all the activities you can get involved in

Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers’ Week takes place from 1-7 June 2020 and is an annual celebration of the contribution that millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. On Monday 1 June at 2pm, to mark the start of Volunteers' Week, we hosted a special online event thanking volunteers for their time and efforts. The event featured messages, films and performances. If you missed it, you can watch again here.

Volunteers' Week event graphic

Live activities coming up...

Tune in just before start time on our Facebook group:

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Zumba with Helen

10 August 2020 - 3PM

Weekly Tuesday meditation with Hana

11 August 2020 - 3PM

Art class with Liz

12 August 2020 - 3PM

Qi Gong with Phil

13 August 2020 - 3PM

Silver Swans ballet class

14 August 2020 - 3PM

Sashiko workshop with Gemma

17 August 2020 - 3PM

Laughter yoga with Tess

18 August 2020 - 3PM

Dog training

19 August 2020 - 3PM

Quiz with Dave

21 August 2020 - 3PM

Creative, arts & crafts

Arts and crafts can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Here you’ll find satisfying, creative, hands-on sessions to get involved in, using materials and equipment that you’re likely to have at home. We tell you what you’ll need to take part and tutors will talk you through each step so you can admire your handiwork at the end.

Recipes & baking

Whether you’re a star baker or a novice cook, you’ll find some delicious recipes and techniques here to make at home. From lemon curd to handmade pitta bread, why not try something new? We provide details of what you need before you get started and, wherever possible, recipes use ingredients that are easy to get hold of and standard kitchen equipment.

Exercise & dance

Being active is important for our physical and mental health whatever our age or stage of life, and never more so than during the current challenging times. As many of us are having to spend more time at home, you’ll find lots of great sessions here designed to keep our minds and bodies feeling healthy, fit and well.

Health & wellbeing

At times, our mental health can come under strain which can make us feel unsettled, anxious and overwhelmed. Relaxing, mindful and gentle forms of exercise like yoga and meditation have been shown to have beneficial effects on our stress and anxiety levels, making us feel calmer and better able to manage the pressures of life. Here you’ll find a range of mindful activities to relax and calm the mind and body.

Technology skills

We live in a digital age and many of us are using all kinds of technology to find information and to stay in touch with friends and family. During these challenging times, technology can help us stay connected and the Virtual Village Hall is here to help. You’ll find lots of practical sessions about how to get the most out of modern technology in everyday life, like tablets, mobile phones and video conferencing apps.

Music & singing

Whether we are singing along to our favourite songs or relaxing with some soothing sounds, music can lift our spirits, boost our energy and support our health and wellbeing. Tune in here for all kinds of musical activities to join in with, like singalongs and beatboxing. No experience required!

Reading & writing

Getting lost in a good book is one of life’s joys. If words are your thing, why not dip into a selection of creative reading and writing activities that will spark your imagination and get the creative juices flowing. From poetry to creative writing, all abilities are welcome!

Needlework & textiles

Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, you’ll find a range of sewing projects to try your hand at. From ‘how to’ tutorials to complete projects, there is something for everyone. Sessions include embroidery, crochet and machine sewing, and require minimal equipment and materials.

Gardening & nature

Gardening & the outdoors

Spending time outdoors in the fresh air is good for the soul. Here, you’ll find talks, tutorial sessions and Q&As with a green theme. Our gardening experts will be here with advice and inspiration and if you’re passionate about nature, there will be sessions about the natural world to immerse yourself in.

Special events

We’ll be marking anniversaries, special occasions and memorable dates here at the Virtual Village Hall with themed sessions and events. Keep an eye on social media and our Special events page for latest details.

Dogs running

Something different

It's never too late to try something new so why not try something for the first time here at the Virtual Village Hall today? In this section, you'll find activities to join in with that are a little bit out of the ordinary, a little unusual.

Hair & beauty

We may not be getting out and about as much, but we still want to look and feel great. Feeling positive about how we look can give us a boost of confidence and self-assurance, and a little pampering is guaranteed to make us feel better. Here at the Virtual Village Hall, you’ll find some great Hair & Beauty sessions to enjoy at home, from making your own toiletries to styling your hair for a special occasion.

Woman sitting on a sofa in curlers drinking tea and looking at a laptop

Make a donation

We hope you have enjoyed taking part in some of the sessions at the Virtual Village Hall. If you have had a positive experience, please tell friends and family about it or share our social media pages and posts. You might also like to consider making a donation to Royal Voluntary Service to support our services in NHS hospitals and local communities across Britain.

Do you need support?

If you are vulnerable or at risk and need help collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies, please call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm)

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Do you need support?

For the latest Government information about the Coronavirus infection in Britain, visit:

England: gov.uk Scotland: gov.scot Wales: gov.wales

NHS advice

For the latest health information and guidance on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the NHS.