Publicans and their pubs can be the solution to many of the problems faced in rural areas, says Pub is The Hub chief executive John Longden OBE.
Publicans in Wales help local people to get creative through a community craft boxes initiative. This group is at the Pentre Comrades, in Pentre
His statement comes in response to the State of the Art Review on Rural Poverty, published in January, from the National Innovation Centre Rural Enterprise.
The review concluded that more support is required for voluntary and community organisations to continue to reach into rural areas and to maintain essential social infrastructure.
Its study explored the hidden poverty in rural Britain, revealing that many face fuel poverty, higher costs of living, insecure employment, unaffordable housing, and deteriorating access to essential services.
It highlighted the loss of services in rural areas from the centralisation of job centres, welfare services, and sources of advice. This makes it harder for people in rural settlements to receive information and support, which has had “damaging impacts” on the wellbeing of the most vulnerable.
Pubs can provide lost services
The research also suggested that solutions to these rural issues need to be a combination of people-centred and place-based measures. It added that many voluntary organisations have stepped in to support rural areas, but highlighted that many are finding challenges with funding.
The review said: “More support is required for voluntary and community organisations to continue to reach into rural areas and to maintain essential social infrastructure.”
John Longden said: “The loss of rural services is something that has been happening everywhere for many years. Pubs and publicans can be the beating heart of these rural areas, providing many of these lost services, from the village store, community garden, to the library or community café.
“Many pubs can also run activities which help bring people together from craft sessions, to a meeting place for groups, to even hosting advice sessions. All these can help overcome social isolation and give people living in rural and remote areas access to the help and companionship they need.”
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