State of Rural Services 2018 report (published February 2019) presents the most recent evidence regarding the provision of services to residents and businesses in rural England.
It covers 8 service areas, which are: Local buses and community transport, Broadband and mobile connectivity, Public library services, Hospitals, Public health services, Young people’s services, Shops and online shopping and Personal advice services Read more
‘Job Done!’ is a project for unemployed people living in Wincanton and surrounding rural areas.
Based at the Balsam Centre in Wincanton, it offers opportunities to those facing barriers to finding work such as mental health or other health/disability related issues. By providing a friendly, supportive environment the project helps to break down isolation, encourages social networking, and thus helps people to build self-confidence and self-esteem.
Project members are then encouraged to develop their practical skills, for example in gardening, cookery, craft or countryside maintenance and are helped to find appropriate volunteering roles. In addition workshops assist with job seeking skills such as CV writing and interview techniques. Read more
The Job Club at Gillingham in Dorset provides a free support service for those who are out of work and especially for those with more intensive support needs. It offers a low-cost approach which, with the right people to manage and deliver it, could be replicated in other rural areas. Read more