AQW 8498/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 08/03/2024
Answered On Date: 20/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for his assessment of how loneliness among older people may be exacerbated by living rurally; and (ii) to detail the steps he will take to ensure loneliness among older and more vulnerable rural dwellers is addressed.

Answer:

While the Health Survey (NI) 2022/2023 showed that people living in urban areas were more likely to show signs of loneliness than those living in rural areas, loneliness among older people in rural areas can be exacerbated due to factors such as geographical isolation, poor connectivity and transport links and reduced social opportunities. Other circumstances such as bereavement, ill health or caring responsibilities can also contribute to loneliness among older people.

My Department supports a number of initiatives under its Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Framework which help improve health and wellbeing among vulnerable groups in rural areas.

The Rural Support charity is proactive in seeking to improve the mental health and wellbeing of rural dwellers by providing programmes and services which help address loneliness and social isolation among farmers and farm families. This includes offering a confidential telephone helpline and signposting service for farmers, farm families and other rural dwellers seeking support and promoting connectivity through the ‘Across the Hedgerow’ and ‘Plough On’ projects.

The Farm Families Health Checks Programme provides farmers, farm families and other rural dwellers attending markets and community events with the opportunity to avail of a comprehensive physical and mental wellbeing assessment. It also provides a signposting service to ensure that those with particular needs receive the support they are entitled to.

The Rural Support Networks across Northern Ireland help to promote social inclusion and to tackle social isolation by helping to sustain community venues which provide space and opportunities for rural dwellers to meet.

I recognise that loneliness in rural areas is not solely the responsibility of DAERA and that a collaborative approach to tackling loneliness is required. My Department therefore continues to work with other public authorities in seeking to tackle loneliness in rural areas including being represented on the Loneliness Forum which is facilitated by the Department of Health and includes representatives from from the Public Health Agency, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, the 5 Health and Social Care Trusts and the Institute of Public Health.