Rebecca Buckley, Vice Chair of Community First Yorkshire, shares her reflections from the Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) ACRE Network Chief Executives’ and Chairs’ Conference last week.

A simple formula for influence

At last week’s ACRE conference, one message stood out for me.

Speaking about what government needs from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, Minister for Nature and Rural Communities Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP highlighted a simple but powerful approach: evidence, experience and examples.

Evidence shows the scale of an issue.

Experience demonstrates what works.

Examples bring the reality of people’s lives and communities into focus.

It’s a formula that feels particularly relevant for organisations working across rural Yorkshire.

Bringing rural stories to life

Recent reports, including the Future of Rural England Report and the Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report on Health in Rural Areas and Small Towns, reinforce what many of us already know. Rural communities are rich in assets, resilience and opportunity, but they also face distinct challenges around access to services, transport, health and social connection.

The evidence is there. What matters now is ensuring it is backed up by experience and real-world examples from the communities themselves.

Every day, charities, social enterprises, village halls and community groups across Yorkshire are creating solutions that work. They are reducing isolation, supporting wellbeing, strengthening local economies and bringing people together. These stories help turn policy discussions into practical action and demonstrate where investment can make the greatest difference.

This is why capturing impact matters. Strong evidence helps secure funding and influence decision-makers, but it is often the combination of data, lived experience and compelling examples that creates the strongest case for change.

The power of networks

Another theme that struck me was the value of networks.

Community First Yorkshire benefits enormously from being part of the ACRE Network, giving us access to national policy discussions, specialist expertise, shared learning and a stronger collective voice on issues affecting rural communities. By working together, organisations can learn from one another, share best practice and amplify their impact far beyond what they could achieve alone.

The same principle applies closer to home.

The strength of Yorkshire’s voluntary and community sector lies not only in the work of individual organisations, but in our willingness to connect, collaborate and speak collectively about the needs and opportunities facing our communities. That’s why building and strengthening networks remains such an important part of Community First Yorkshire’s role and sits at the heart of our evolving membership offer.

Turning insight into action

At a time when resources are stretched and demand continues to grow, strong evidence, practical experience and compelling examples have never been more important.

If we want rural communities to thrive, we must continue to champion all three. Together, they tell the full story of rural Yorkshire, helping ensure the voices of communities are heard by funders, policymakers and partners.

Because evidence may start the conversation, but it is experience and examples that inspire action.

If you want to find out more about demonstrating your impact, take a look at our Impact Toolkit.

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