From Our Chief Exec & Editor
>> The response to coronavirus in rural communities has been exceptional, with residents coming together in unprecedented circumstances to help and protect each other.
Over the last few months, all of us working in the housing association sector have joined the communities and households we serve on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus.
The well-rehearsed case for supporting new affordable rural housing is that we build homes for essential workers on low incomes, we support traders working in the local economy, we keep family and support networks together, and we provide services for people who need extra support to live independently.
This is not always a message that lands well or one in which everyone has seen value – but the importance of why we do this is now clearer than ever.
Without the homes we have built through local partnerships, many nurses, teachers, carers, engineers, delivery drivers, farmers and all other essential workers would not be living in their local rural community. They would not have a safe and affordable home. Rural communities would be lacking at this most critical time.
Rural housing residents have continued to inspire staff here at English Rural. We’ve heard countless stories of people rallying to support vulnerable neighbours, collecting shopping, medicine or simply making sure people don’t feel lonely. Residents have been leading local community support groups and, importantly, residents have been helping family and friends in need.
Country pubs that have closed are instead now offering takeaway services or have turned into response and distribution hubs for villages not lucky enough to have a local shop. New supply chains have developed, with a reliance on previously over-looked local sources such as butchers and farms.
In return, our staff have risen to the challenge, responding to the unprecedented changes many residents are facing if their jobs have been lost or paused. They are rallying to support residents and helping to keep people safe in their homes.
Frontline housing staff have been prioritising contacting older and vulnerable households, to see how they are coping and connecting them to local community supports groups that have sprung up in villages across the country.
The reaction in rural communities has been exceptional, as they have come together in unprecedented circumstances to protect each other against an invisible foe. We’ve all seen this each Thursday evening at 8pm when households emerge to clap and bang pans in support of those working in the NHS. For many, it is the only time each week they glimpse the faces of those living around them.
Talking to my own elderly mother last Thursday evening she remarked that she needed to get ready to go outside and clap. My parents are retired farmers, living in relative isolation a mile away from their village, so I asked her why. Her response was simple, “I am part of a community and we all clap together, even if nobody else can hear me”.
Our rural communities are vital – now more than ever.
Martin Collett Chief Executive, English Rural
>> A Welcome from Melanie, our editor
We currently find ourselves living through an unprecedented time, and due to this much of this edition is highlighting the help that is available to many of us. From financial help and how to access it, to looking after our mental health during these difficult times.
English Rural also opened another beautiful development in Warehorne, Kent last year, and our Patron HRH The Princess Royal officially opened it in December.
I still need your help and participation for future issues. This newsletter is for the Residents’ and your input is important. This time I am particularly keen to hear about local community support during the current crisis. How did your community come together and support each other?
As always, I am keen to hear from you about any other contributions or suggestions. Please get in touch with fellow residents and our newsletter editor by emailing:
melanie.olymbios@englishrural.org.uk
Money Matters & Domestic Violence Help
Looking After Yourself And Your Community
Maintenance Update
Events - What's Been Happening?
Getting Involved - The Online Scrutiny Group
A Thank You from all of us
Contacts - How to get in touch