What is the Rural Women's Network-Somerset?

The Rural Women's Network-Somerset was set up in 2002. Its original aims were to raise awareness of rural stress and to improve rural women's wellbeing and their access to support throughout Somerset. Since its launch, the network has promoted communication between organisations across Somerset, on the ways that life in the countryside can be stressful, and on effective ways to respond. It has supported all rural women (regardless of ability, colour and creed) to make the most of themselves, to gain confidence and live life to the full. The network has also provided support and advice services for rural women who are seeking work or who are hoping to become self-employed. The project is hosted by the Community Council for Somerset.

Why do we need a Rural Women's Network in Somerset?

Rural families are increasingly in need of other sources of income but there are limited job opportunities in rural areas.
Women in rural areas often have many skills which could be used to earn extra money
Lack of childcare and transport can make it difficult for many women to access training, support and jobs
Women often plan new enterprises while looking after small children. This means that they are unable to make use of traditional business support mechanisms that assume a full time commitment.
Diverse issues such as isolation, access to (fulfilling and adequately paid) employment, falling farm incomes, and domestic abuse, can have a particular impact on rural women; and women also may find themselves absorbing the stresses of other family members as they try to offer support.
Research at county and national level suggests that the formation of a Rural Women's Network in Somerset is timely. A report for Mind in Taunton and West Somerset, 'Mind the Gap', quotes research by Somerset Health Authority showing that one in three people in West Somerset experiences psychological distress - more than double the national incidence.
The Government's innovative consultation document, 'Women's Mental Health, Into the Mainstream', published recently, emphasizes the value of listening to women and of validating their experience, of making gender sensitivity an integral part of service planning and delivery. It also underlines the role that social networks can play in combating isolation and promoting well-being.
The Rural Women's Network - Somerset enables participants to gain confidence in their ability to create a business, learn new skills, work with like minded women and improve their prospects of finding work.

How does the Rural Women's Network-Somerset work?

The Rural Women's Network - Somerset helps women in rural Somerset by signposting a range of services offered by organisations and individuals across the county and helping to set up network groups. These include:

Personal development courses - that increase confidence, communication skills, time management, etc
Business skills courses - that help women who are setting up in business gain the skills they need
Network groups - these provide a social setting where women can meet others, listen to speakers and gain support from each other. These groups need volunteers to get going - Please let Debbie know if you would like to get involved.
Quarterly meetings of the Network with speakers, lunch and a chance to find out who's who and what is happening for women in Somerset!
Website - which everyone can visit to find out information about the Network, Gain up to date information about help and advice relevant to women in rural Somerset in one place and advertise their rural business in our members' business directory.
Other events - an annual general meeting and dinner provide opportunities for members to meet others, network and hear really useful speakers.
Promoting the interests of rural women in Somerset and raising awareness of the difficulties that they may face.

The Rural Women's Network – Somerset provides much of its information via its website: www.rwn-somerset.org.uk

Looking to the Future

Funding for the Rural Women's Network came to an end in March 2008. However, the Community Council for Somerset is now carrying out a review of the project, working with the Rural Women's Network Steering Group. This work will include assessing the project against its original objectives. The findings will help determine whether adjustments are needed and whether the objectives are still appropriate (in the light of ever changing needs of rural women).

During this audit phase we will continue to provide a point of reference for anybody needing advice from the Rural Women's Network. This includes maintaining the website (www.rwn-somerset.org.uk) and being available to provide email or telephone support. Recognising that one of the key objectives of the Rural Women's Network is to organise network events, we will be arranging an event during late Autumn 2008.

For more information please contact Katherine Armstrong by clicking here or call on 07980 224351 or 01278 699140.