FARMING LIFE CENTRE SECURES CRUCIAL FUNDING TO COMBAT RURAL ISOLATION

As a small, vibrant charity, The Farming Life Centre relies entirely on diverse funding streams to deliver life-changing projects — every pound goes straight back into supporting farming and rural communities across the Peak District.

The Farming Life Centre is delighted to announce that they have received generous funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the National Lottery Community Fund to expand their much-needed Rural Befriending Project.

This funding will provide vital support to individuals living with dementia and their carers across the Peak District. Loneliness and isolation are significant challenges in farming and rural communities, and this project aims to bring people together, offering companionship, practical help, and emotional support.

Why this matters

• 96% of people in farming communities say isolation is a major challenge, and 62% struggle to access mental health services.

• Nationally, 25% of adults report feeling lonely often or sometimes, and dementia compounds this problem — 43% of people with dementia feel lonely, and 35% live alone.

• Dementia diagnoses are rising, with 982,000 people in the UK today, expected to reach 1.4 million by 2040. Loneliness even increases dementia risk by 31%.

Rachel Metcalfe, Charity Manager at the Farming Life Centre, said, “We are incredibly grateful for this funding. It means we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of people who often feel forgotten. Supporting those living with dementia and their families is at the heart of this project, and we couldn’t do it without the backing of these funds.”

Funding is always a challenge. The Farming Life Centre relies 100% on a variety of funding streams to deliver all of its projects — from befriending and social groups to health and wellbeing initiatives and Farm Business Support. Every pound they receive goes straight back into supporting farming and rural communities across the Peak District. Without this support, many of their services simply wouldn’t exist.

The Rural Befriending Project connects volunteers with individuals who need a friendly face and a listening ear. Volunteers play a crucial role in reducing isolation and improving wellbeing in our farming and rural communities.

the Farming Life Centre are always looking for volunteers and supporters to help continue this vital work.

If you have a few hours to spare and would like to make a positive impact, please get in touch. Full training and ongoing support are provided.

Every contribution, big or small, helps us promote wellbeing, reduce isolation, and provide support for farming and rural communities across the Peak District.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, contact the Farming Life Centre on 01629 810903 email: info@thefarminglifecentre. org.uk or visit www.thefarminglifecentre.org.uk