rural areas

Understanding the place based social value created by new-start social enterprises: evidence from ten rural communities

Social enterprise, characterised by organisations enacting a hybrid mix of non-profit and for-profit characteristics, is increasingly regarded as an important component in the regeneration of areas affected by social and economic deprivation. In parallel there has been growing academic, practitioner and policy interest in 'social value' and 'social impact' within the broader 'social economy'.

Empowerment of rural women in Northern Ireland: impacts on poverty, development and current challenges

Paper that provides an overview of the main approaches being taken to the alleviation of rural poverty and rural development as well as exploring whether these approaches have specifically targeted or benefitted rural women.

The paper also identifies some of the key issues still impacting on rural women that need to be addressed both present and future within Northern Ireland.

Commissioning children's centres: a rural perspective

This short guide focuses on families with young children in rural areas and the implications for children’s centre commissioning and delivery at a time of change and new directions. It is of relevance to all of those playing a part in the commissioning of children’s services – whether local authorities or primary care trusts; private or voluntary sector providers; and those leading and delivering services on the ground.

Making a difference: tackling poverty - a progress report

This report was published by the UK Department for Work and Pensions in March 2006. It includes a foreword by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair MP and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton MP. There is an introduction and conclusion but no executive summary. Main chapters are: targeted help for those who need it most; work as a route out of poverty; breaking the cycle of deprivation; delivering high-quality public services.

Migration and rural economies: assessing and addressing risks

This paper examines the implications of increasing migration to rural areas, looking in particular at the economics of this phenomenon. A mixed methodology was used including a literature review, analysis of national population and economic datasets, surveys and focus groups with migrants in rural areas and interviews with key informants. The roles migrants play in rural areas are explored, as are the economic impacts of migration on existing populations and businesses, and what future migratory trends might be.

Migration and Rural Economies: Assessing and addressing risks

This paper examines the implications of increasing migration to rural areas, looking in particular at the economics of this phenomenon. We explore the roles migrants are playing, the economic impacts of migration on existing populations and businesses, and what future migratory trends might be. In particular, we consider whether recent migration to rural Britain has led to any risks for rural economies; and if so, how these risks can be managed.

Service needs and delivery following the onset of caring amongst children and young adults: evidenced based review

This report looks at the service needs of people in rural areas following major life events spending time talking to rural service users to find out about their experiences. This work takes a practical and positive approach, looking for solutions to providing fair access to services for rural communities. This study provides an overview, synthesis and analysis of research and other evidence on ‘young carers’ and ‘young adult carers’ in the UK.