Are mainstream statistics on Rural Communities enough to base decisions on in the East Riding of Yorkshire?

ARE MAINSTREAM STATISTICS ON RURAL COMMUNITIES ENOUGH TO BASE DECISIONS ON IN THE EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE?

Earlier in the year Humber and Wolds Rural Community Council (HWRCC) undertook a piece of research entitled Rural Equity. The report highlighted the limitations of mainstream statistical information when attempting to understand where rural inequalities lie, as it hides the deprivation experienced by rural communities.

In the current, challenging financial climate, Rural Equity explores the difficulty of understanding and responding to the needs of rural communities and how services are delivered in these areas. The informative research, commissioned and evidenced through HWRCC's Rural Partnership Plus Project (a project funded by the National Lottery through Big Lottery Fund) highlighted the immense diversity and prevalence of the voluntary and community sector in providing cost effective community support, and investigates how the sector can play a significant role in providing local solutions for service delivery.

The research was launched at the ‘New Ways of Looking, New Ways of Working Rural Conference' at which representatives from the voluntary, public and private sectors came together to explore new ways of working jointly, look at existing initiatives in rural areas that respond to the public purse cuts and the Localism and Big Society agendas, and consider the statistical evidence base which informs service providers. Delegates took part in practical workshops, exploring potential solutions.

Keynote speakers contributed different perspectives on addressing rural disadvantage in the current climate.

Penny Brown, Chief Executive, HWRCC, outlined the role of the 38 Rural Community Councils across the country, supported by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), in combating rural disadvantage.

Chris Smith, Thornwood Services, launched the Rural Equity Research Findings on behalf of HWRCC's Rural Partnership Plus Project.

Simon Lowe, Policy and Partnerships Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, explained how the Local Authority is working towards meeting the challenges it faces in light of spending cuts and new agendas.

Carolyn Burgess, Chief Executive, Language is Everything, spoke about her experience from a private sector perspective.

Carole Johnson, Rural Partnership Plus Co-ordinator, commented: "The Rural Partnership Plus project, hosted by HWRCC, links voluntary and community groups to a comprehensive support network, and represents their views at regional and national level. With the reduction in public spending, there is a greater need for all sectors to work more closely together to deliver cost-effective services, particularly in rural areas. The voluntary and community sector can play an important role, with the continued support of organisations like HWRCC. "

Feedback on the event has been overwhelmingly positive.
"Inspirational presentations"
"Extremely productive to bring so many relevant people to one venue"
"Increased awareness of drivers and priorities"
"Excellent forum to develop relations with all sectors"
"Good conduit to obtain a different view of the voluntary sector"

A copy of the research findings can now be purchased from HWRCC at a price of £7.99 including postage and packaging. To order your copy, please contact Carole Johnson.
T: 01430 430904 E: carole.johnson@hwrcc.org.uk.