Cornwall’s rural isolation
Cornwall’s rural isolation
Rural isolation is the reality for many in Cornwall, greatly intensifying the issues faced by people living in poverty.
- The population of Cornwall is 572,000, with a population per square mile of 416.
- Lack of services and support – most rural communities don’t have immediate access to essential services like a GP surgery, post office or advisory schemes.
- Loneliness – many are living away from family, friends, and traditional networks of support.
- Lack of public transport – in the Vital Signs community consultations 75% of respondents stated that there were insufficient means of public transport for them.
The above, along with issues of poverty and social deprivation, take a huge toll on people’s mental health and well-being.
Key figures:
Cornwall rural isolation
How does Cornwall compare to the rest of the UK and why is rural isolation a key issue for our communities.
Heating costs for old/rural housing is around 20% higher than the UK average
Internet speeds are 28.51% worse than the UK average
Cornwall is classified (by Government) as 92.02% rural
Challenges:
Rural isolation
- Building partnerships with voluntary organisations filling the gaps in services and support in rural communities.
- Engaging those living in rural communities with the raising and distribution of funds – what are their funding priorities.
- Raising awareness, and ensuring tackling rural isolation is a priority across CCF, educating Trustees, donors, volunteers, and panel members.
- Raising funds to continue CCF’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents and families who have been affected by the significant rise in the cost of living, to pay for essential items and bills.
What we’re doing to help:
Rural isolation
CCF funds small, grassroots, rural groups at the heart of their communities working on the frontline of these issues.
- North Cornwall Fund – Following our 2017 Vital Signs, CCF established the North Cornwall Fund to direct grants to some of the most rurally isolated areas in the County.
- Surviving winter campaign – Ten years ago we launched our Surviving Winter campaign. Since it began the campaign has supported 302 groups with over £575K worth of grants to keep people across Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly warm and well through the winter.
- We have recruited a Community Outreach Officer to target and focus on raising CCF’s profile with the voluntary sectors combating rural isolation.
How you can help
Since 2003 we have awarded more than £20m in small grants to grassroots, front-line, volunteer-led organisations that are making a positive impact in their area, helping to overcome the challenges of disadvantage, exclusion and poverty for all.
This work wouldn’t be possible without our generous donors.
Stories of support:
The Oasis Centre
The Oasis Centre supports people across St. Columb, St. Ervan, St. Eval, St. Mawgan and surrounding areas who are in a condition of need, hardship, distress, ill-health, disability or other disadvantage. Their vision is to end loneliness and isolation in their community.
CCF awarded The Oasis Centre its first grant back in 2010 and has been supporting it’s vital work ever since. In 2022 they received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“I think it is fair to say that CCF grants have completely changed the lives of many we help and have given people a new purpose in life. By funding things that are so important – hot meals, exercise, simple projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. etc people’s lives are changed.“
Rural isolation questions, answered
Housing in rural areas is often older, in more disrepair and harder to heat. Across Cornwall residential buildings are energetically very inefficient. The average home energy rating in Cornwall county is 59.7, D rating. This is by 5.4 worse score than the average home energy rating in England and Wales. The average potential rating is 78.3, C rating.
Source
Cornwall is classified (by Government) as 92.02% rural.
56% of the population live outside of towns, 42% of whom live in rural settlements.
Those living in rural areas have limited access to services and facilities and therefore limited opportunities to interact and to receive necessary support. Internet access and speeds can also be an issue exacerbating a feeling of isolation and loneliness.
There are fewer employment opportunities and the transport infrastructure is limited or not fit for purpose making it almost impossible for those without transport to commute to suitable employment.
Homes are often less energy efficient and more costly to keep more.
These factors can make rural life extremely challenging especially when combined with low income.
Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
Get help for an organisation
Tamara Sherston-Baker
Development Director
