Report Highlights Mental Health Challenges in Rural Communities
On Wednesday 13 November, 2024, Mental Health Matters, a national charity, released a report shedding light on the mental health struggles faced by rural communities. The report comes in the wake of a parliamentary debate on Mental Health: Farming and Agricultural Communities, which brought attention to the issue of loneliness and identified gaps in mental health support.
A survey conducted by Mental Health Matters across rural and farming communities in England revealed that 96% of respondents considered loneliness to be a major challenge in these areas. Additionally, 62% reported difficulties in accessing mental health support.
Charlie Campion, the External Affairs and Policy Manager at Mental Health Matters, spearheaded the research and highlighted the barriers faced by rural communities in seeking mental health support. These include poor internet access and a lack of public transportation to reach services.
Recognizing the significance of these challenges, the charity is calling for several changes, such as the reinstatement of the role of Minister for Loneliness with a focus on addressing isolation. They are also advocating for the creation of a Rural Mental Health Expert Reference Group to shape mental health services according to community needs.
The report also proposes the establishment of a rural isolation fund to financially support existing mental health services in overcoming logistical challenges in remote areas.
For the full report, please visit mhm.org.uk/rural-mental-health.
Mental Health Matters is a third sector organization that offers a wide range of support to individuals with mental health needs. Their services are provided in a welcoming, safe, comfortable, non-judgmental, and non-clinical environment. To learn more, visit their website at www.mhm.org.uk.
This news story is distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.