Launching Our Lancashire Village Agents Service

Community Futures is excited to announce the launch of our Lancashire Village Agents Service, which began on Monday 13th October 2025 across four rural communities in Lancashire. Funded by Lancashire County Council, this new initiative aims to address long-standing  challenges faced by rural residents – especially around isolation, access to services and the visibility of support networks that often go unnoticed in dispersed communities. We would also like to extend our thanks to our sister organisation, Thrive in Somerset, whose experience and guidance in delivering a similar model has been invaluable in shaping this service.

Rural life offers many strengths; strong neighbourliness, community identify and grassroots resilience. However, it also presents unique barriers. People living in remote villages often face limited public transport, reduced access to health and wellbeing services and a lack of easily accessible information about where to turn when help is needed. Community Futures has consistently heard through local engagement that residents value having someone approachable and rooted in the community who can help them navigate available support.

Our Village Agents model answers that call. Each Agent will act as a trusted local connector, working directly within their own communities to offer one-to-one support, signposting and a listening ear. Their role is not to replace existing services, but to bridge the gaps – linking people to the right agencies, helping them navigate complex systems and building community-led solutions where formal provision is limited or unknown.

What makes this service particularly exciting is it’s place-based and person-centred approach. Rather than a one-size fits all model, each Village Agent will shape their work around the specific priorities of their community. That could mean helping an individual access a carers’ support group, facilitate a coffee morning to bring isolated residents together or working alongside parish councils and voluntary groups to identify emerging needs before they escalate.

Over the coming months, Community Futures will be gathering evidence on the impact of this approach. By working alongside residents rather than delivering to them, the project seeks to embed long-term community resilience and ensure that rural voices continue to inform how support is designed and delivered in Lancashire.

Natalie Burfitt, Policy, Information and Commissioning Manager at Lancashire County Council said:

“The Village Agents scheme is a vital part of our commitment to helping residents live well within their communities. By providing local, trusted support and connecting people to services, we can reduce isolation and ensure individuals have access to the help they need close to home.”

Joe Hannett, Partnerships Manager at Community Futures said:

“We’ve been delighted with the response to our recruitment for Village Agents. These roles have obviously struck a chord with people, and our recruits are an outstanding team. We’re looking forward to seeing the change they will bring in our communities.”

As the programme unfolds, Community Futures looks forward to sharing stories of impact, partnership and rural innovation on our website and social media, so be sure to keep a look out.  

https://communityfutures.org.uk/