The Need

• National evidence: The Commission for Rural Communities’ report “Social isolation experienced by older people in rural communities” (Defra, Tackling Rural Disadvantage) highlights that rural residents face heightened risks of isolation due to poor transport, dispersed populations, and reduced access to services. These factors contribute to poorer physical and mental health and increased demand on statutory services.

• Local evidence: Somerset has a higher-than-average proportion of older residents. According to the Somerset Intelligence Network, loneliness and isolation are significant challenges, particularly in rural parishes where public transport is limited and services are centralised. GPs and primary care teams consistently report loneliness as a major factor impacting health and wellbeing.

• Why now: Recent flooding has again highlighted rural factors that significantly reduce opportunities for social contact and access to support, particularly for elders following bereavement, illness, or loss of driving ability. As a result, older rural residents are at significantly higher risk of persistent loneliness, with associated impacts on physical health, mental wellbeing, and demand on NHS and social care services.