1. Rural isolation – how can communities help? Rev. Dr Stuart Burgess

2. What is rural? 9.7 million people live in rural UK 700,000 people live in poverty 100,000 net migration into rural areas annually rural population ageing rural economy provides 200 billion into total economy

3. Rural issues are related Housing Sustainability of communities? (upland areas) Health issues Transport Internet/mobile phone coverage# Changing pattern of farming Political issues including funding

4. The Big Society? Transport – Spirit Buses Rothbury / Rural Wheels in Cumbria

5. The Big Society? Appleton Wiske Methodist Church – computers Blisland Community centre

6. The Big Society? Church hosting rural post office – Wolds Valley Methodist Church in Weaverthorpe Churches as the hub of the community Village Agents

7. The Big Society? Parish Council Community Organisers programme Plunkett Foundation