LONELINESS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Living in one of Britain’s scenic rural areas can provide the opportunity to meet interesting people and become part of a thriving community but, sadly, this isn’t always the case…
Living in rural areas can provide the chance to be part of a thriving community, but this isn’t always the case
IT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST DRAWS OF RURAL LIFE – the idea that, unlike rushed-off-their-feet city-dwellers, country folk are, as a rule, friendlier. They’ll pass the time of day with you if you meet in the village shop and you’re likely to be on first-name terms with your neighbours. In many cases this proves to be true; rural communities are often deeply rooted – something born out of decades spent attending the same church, shopping in the same local shop and attending the same school. Even as these local amenities become fewer and further between, and people move greater distances during their lifetime, the same proud public spirit tends to remain.
Sadly, however, the impact of the changing structure of such communities is that more and more people are falling between the gaps. Young people living at home after school or university, mothers with young babies, retirees, those with ill health or disabilities can often find themselves isolated, sometimes with little human contact for days at a time.
A SILENT PROBLEM
“Social isolation is a really important and growing issue in the countryside,” says Lorraine Smyth, chief executive of Action with Communities in Cumbria, one of 38 rural community councils (RCCS) across England. “With fewer community hubs, there aren’t as many places for people to meet. There’s also a proud culture of doing things for yourself in rural areas, which makes it difficult for people to admit to feeling cut off.”
When physical remoteness prevents social interaction, isolation can turn to loneliness – a ‘silent epidemic’ according to the cross-party Commission on Loneliness, launched in January this year to continue the work of late MP Jo Cox. In this study, scientists found that this can be as harmful to health as smoking and obesity, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke in people aged 50 and over. It is also linked with dementia and poor mental health.
“Rural life can be very lonely unless you live in a cohesive community,” confirms Mary Hughes, a community councillor from Llanfechell, a small village near Cemaes Bay on the north coast of Anglesey, North Wales. “But these still need centres: places where people can go for company, information and advice.”
TAKING ACTION
Like many dynamic rural villages, when Mary’s lost its shop and post office the residents decided to take matters into their own hands, beginning a campaign to reopen the 300year-old shop building. The result is Caffi Siop Mechell, a lively, community-owned hub, which includes a café, shop, postal service and garden. “People have a focal point again,” says Mary, who managed the project and is one of 35
volunteers who keep it running. “When we lost a member of our community recently, her husband held the funeral tea here because he said it was her second home. We feel as if the village has its heart back.”
AN ISSUE FOR ALL AGES
It’s often assumed that elderly people are the worst affected by social isolation, but this isn’t always the case. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, the under-25s are as vulnerable as the over-65s. This can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems, which in turn can feed the sense of loneliness. For a teenager, recent graduate or young mum who’s stranded in a location with no access to transport, friends or meeting places, it’s easy to see how this vicious cycle could lead to serious problems.
The issue is a pressing one for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), which launched its Rural Plus campaign to raise awareness of isolation and mental-health issues among ten- to 26-year-olds. “We want to get people talking about something that can be a taboo subject,” says Catherine Sykes, training and development manager for NFYFC. As well as rolling out a training programme to promote peer-to-peer discussion and support, the federation is working with organisations such as the Farm Community Network and the mental-health charity Youngminds to signpost sources of help.
BEING NEIGHBOURLY
If there isn’t a community hub near where you live, there’s always the option of volunteering to provide support to local residents in their homes. “Lots of our volunteers tell us they feel more connected and fulfilled,” says Daphne Simmons, who coordinates Shropshire RCC’S Good Neighbours scheme. One of many similar initiatives across the country, Good Neighbours matches willing helpers with residents who need assistance with specific tasks, such as picking up prescriptions, giving lifts and cooking meals.
“It’s about being neighbourly,” says Lorrainne Smyth. “Smiling at people rather than walking past; making an effort to engage with others at the school gate or village shop. We all think that’s what happens anyway in rural areas, but, as our lives get busier and busier, it’s easy to forget. Even if you do it only occasionally, you never know the impact that smile might have.”