Together We Can Make A Positive Difference

Advocating for Change

Rural mental health matters: It’s everyone’s business.

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Advocating for an equitable, accessible, visible, and inclusive whole-self wellbeing approach is our mission. It addresses the diverse needs of individuals, businesses, and communities, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve optimal wellbeing. 

The whole-self approach recognises that wellbeing is not limited to physical health. It includes mental, emotional, and social aspects of a person's life.

Mental health and wellbeing

Statistics from the UK and globally show the importance of focusing on mental health:

 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year in the UK, according to Mind.

280 million people live with depression globally, according to the World Health Organization.

As shocking as these figures are, we know that the real statistics are even more concerning. The wider population struggles with mental health but does not always report it to healthcare professionals, due to stigma.

Mental health might be temporary, due to a trauma or accident, or longer term. That's why we advocate for an equitable, accessible, visible, and inclusive approach. It ensures that mental health services are readily available and tailored to the diverse needs of individuals, regardless of their background or location.

We also want to see a more proactive approach, instead of the current status quo. Most support services are currently geared towards crisis intervention. Whilst this is needed, it is a reactive response. 

Physical health and healthcare access

Inequities in healthcare access lead to disparities across all health outcomes.

In the UK, life expectancy varies significantly for different regions and socioeconomic groups.

9-year gap in life expectancy between men in the most deprived areas compared to those in the least deprived areas, according to the ONS.

Half the world lacks access to essential healthcare services, leading to preventable deaths and health complications, says the WHO.

An equitable approach aims to bridge these gaps by providing accessible healthcare services to all, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

Rural isolation vs. urban privilege

Rural communities face unique challenges. That’s why we exist, to address rural-urban disparities as an essential wellbeing contributor.

Education: In the UK, rural areas have limited access to educational resources, leading to lower academic attainment compared to urban areas.

Employment: Unemployment rates can be higher in rural areas due to limited job opportunities.

Healthcare: Rural areas have fewer healthcare facilities and longer travel distances to medical services, decreasing health outcomes.

Poverty: Rural poverty rates can be higher due to lower wages and higher living costs in some areas.

An inclusive approach ensures that rural communities are not left behind. Everyone deserves adequate support and resources to protect and care for their wellbeing.

A proactive, equitable, accessible, visible, and inclusive whole-self wellbeing approach addresses the diverse needs of individuals and communities, promoting mental and physical health, reducing disparities in the UK and on a global scale. 

By advocating for this approach, we work towards creating a healthier, happier, and more prosperous society for everyone.

If you want us to work with your organisation, business, or community, please get in touch. Together we can make a positive difference .

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