CCB’s function as a rural community development charity means that much of our work is about developing and maintaining connections within communities. This community development principle is central to the theme of loneliness and isolation.

Plenty of research exists into the causes of loneliness and ways of reducing its impact. We know that people of all ages can feel lonely at times, even when surrounded by people. This is a priority issue for Government, and large sections of the voluntary sector are and always have been, working to support people of all ages impacted by loneliness.

In 2020-21 we looked at the kinds of activities, groups, and opportunities for social interaction that are particularly effective at reducing the risk of loneliness and provided advice and guidance to specific communities on broadening the range of social activities available to people living in them.

In 2020 we worked with two fantastic volunteers – Marine Rouz from Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Adam Secret from the Home Office. Both worked with Berkshire-based data to help us make sense of the many indicators that gave fresh insight into the scale and nature of social isolation amongst older people in Berkshire. The new tools allowed us to spot key trends in the changing nature of deprivation in rural Berkshire and to analyse demographic information in relation to the location of key community infrastucture.

If anyone should like to learn more about this research project please get in touch with Tim.Parry@ccberks.org.uk

Know where to find rural help and support

Women’s Institutes – More fun-and-friendship than jam-and-Jerusalem, the WI has 6,300 local groups that are just as likely to indulge in yoga, wild swimming and belly dancing as flower arranging and cake baking (thewi.org.uk).

Young Farmers – This membership-based network for young people isn’t just for those from agricultural backgrounds. Local clubs are run by members for members and offer (usually) weekly opportunities to socialise, volunteer and learn new skills (nfyfc.org.uk)

Men’s Sheds Association – A network of places in urban and rural locations where men of all ages (and sometimes women) come together to share tools, skills and social interaction (menssheds.org.uk).

ACRE – The umbrella group for England’s 38 Rural Community Councils, which can provide advice and source funding to help small community projects (acre.org.uk). Also see Wales Council for Voluntary Action (wcva.org.uk); Scottish Community Councils (communitycouncils.scot) and Rural Community Network in Northern Ireland (ruralcommunitynetwork.org).

MIND – Charity providing help and support on mental-health issues. It has a network of local groups that offer counselling, befriending and crisis lines, and its Elefriends online community is a supportive platform for sharing stories and advice (mind.org.uk).

YoungMinds – Charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people (youngminds.org.uk).

Age UK – As part of its work to support older people, the charity campaigns on loneliness and works with its 150-plus local branches to offer befriending and other services (ageuk.org.uk).

Campaign to End Loneliness – Network of national and local organisations and people working together to ensure loneliness is acted upon as a public health priority (campaigntoendloneliness.org).