Cornwall’s ‘village hall on wheels’ to support people in the community
11 March 2025
L-R, Justin Ricks, Engagement Manager, Jo Rusbridge, BLoT and Emma Rowse CEO at Cornwall VSF
A community organisation in Bugle, mid-Cornwall has launched a community van to provide services and support to local people.
Bugle Library of Things (BLoT) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that exists to link local people with personalised support, increasing their skills and confidence and reducing social isolation.
The community van comes fitted with a hob, fridge and sink and through a trained team of volunteers will provide food, clothes, household goods, as well as health services, welfare support, education and signposting.
The van will be available for partner organisations delivering services in the community. Contact Jo to find out more at [email protected]
BLoT Founder and Director, Jo Rusbridge, hopes the launch of a new ‘village hall on wheels’ will provide sustainable opportunities for local people, restoring a sense of community, local pride and belonging.
BLoT was allocated £94,308 from Cornwall Council’s Community Levelling Up Programme, on behalf of the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This new approach to investment is designed to empower local leaders and communities, so they can make a real difference on the ground where it’s needed the most. The China Clay & Luxulyan Community Area Partnership played a key role in allocating funds to local projects.
BLoT is part of the Community Hub Network, organised by Volunteer Cornwall and funded by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. The hub network offers safe and warm places for people to socialise and take part in activities.
A launch event took place on Wednesday 12 February at Bugle Village Hall.
We are so excited for the launch of our community van that will help bring support to people in the community that maybe wouldn’t be able to access these services otherwise.
We also want the van to be used by other organisations to benefit as many people as possible in Cornwall, so please get in touch if you are interested.
Bugle Library of Things
I’m delighted that we can finally launch the BLoT Van. This project has been long in the making and now that it is here, we can provide vital community support not only in Bugle, but throughout the Clay Country.
It has been made possible by the grant of just over £94k from the previous Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to all those involved who have worked tirelessly to get this project off the ground.
Cornwall Council
Cornwall VSF fully supported the application for the community van and are delighted Bugle Library of Things was successful with their bid.
Staff and volunteers in this community hub provide vital support for their local residents and having the van means they will be able to reach even more people who need it.
Cornwall VSF