The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF) has announced an investment of over £434k in rural community and farm support organisations across the UK.
This funding will support those living and working in the countryside who are facing challenges and mental health problems because of the impacts of extreme weather, isolation and the cost of living.
Keith Halstead, executive director of RCF said: “We operate exclusively in rural areas and work hand-in-hand with individuals, small farms, community groups and partner organisations to change lives by investing in projects that bring people together to work collectively in enterprising and pragmatic ways to tackle the real needs and local issues which they have identified”.
“In making these grants, I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and Waitrose & Partners, all of whom are long-term supporters of The Royal Countryside Fund.”
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Nine organisations have been awarded a share of £185,214, including Blackhall Mill Community Association in Tyne & Wear to develop a model of their Electric Vehicle club and Broadwoodkelly Village Hall in Devon, for the purchase of activity equipment to reduce social isolation.
Mark Allen, centre manager of New Mills and District Volunteer Centre, commented on the £25,000 they received to run their rural transport service for the elderly and disabled, saying it gives them the ability to extend to even harder-to-reach sutomers.
One of their customers spoke about the service: “It means everything to me. I wouldn’t go out anywhere without it. It’s also company, now I get to have a great chat. Previously I couldn’t get out at all, and without it I’d be stuck. It gives me a reason to get out of the house.”
RSABI in Scotland, Rural Support in Northern Ireland and Tir Dewi in Wales have received £15k to help run their organisations, and £25,000 has also been given to seven farm support groups to cover core costs.
Exmoor Hill Farming Network has also been funded to assist at least 50 farm businesses, and deliver four farmer-led events responding to the needs of the local farming community.
More information on their funding programmes can be found here.
