Arthur Rank Centre
Arthur Rank Centre (ARC) is an ecumenical Christian charity serves both the spiritual and practical needs of the rural community through a programme of community and social projects, resourcing and training, notably the Rural Ministry Course, germinate Leadership Course and the Love Rural conference.
Rural food banks
Church-run foodbanks have multiplied across the UK in the last few years, providing emergency food to households in crisis. Increasing numbers of these are found in rural locations. Read about the creation of the Quantock food bank in Issue 34 of Manna magazine, 'Hidden Treasures'.
Rural Theology Association
The Rural Theology Association aims to educate people in rural theology through research, papers and conferences in order to encourage the development of patterns of ministry and mission appropriate to the countryside.
Farming Community Network (FCN)
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a Christian organisation and registered charity which has been working in the farming community since 1995. Comprised of a network of volunteers organised into county groups, FCN provides pastoral and practical support for as long as needed – helping people to find a positive way forward through their problems.
National Farmers’ Union
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its Farmer and Grower members across England and Wales. The NFU is the British farming trade association, providing professional representation on the issues that affect farmers most.
Somerset Community Foundation and Somerset Village Agents
Somerset Community Foundation works to promote vibrant, inclusive communities in Somerset through developing a culture of local giving and enabling voluntary groups to combat disadvantage and isolation. The Somerset Village Agent project is a project of Community Council for Somerset (CCS) and provides people in Somerset’s rural communities with easier access to information and services. Village Agents live in the communities they serve and help to bridge the gap between isolated, excluded, vulnerable and lonely individuals and statutory and/or voluntary organisations which offer specific solutions to identified needs.
Somerset Young Farmers' Club
Somerset Young Farmers’ Club has clubs across the region, in five district groups. Somerset YFC is open to anyone who has an interest in the rural community and is aged between 10 and 26 years and is all about getting like-minded young people to have fun whilst learning new activities and skills.
Contact
Rob Walrond, Rural Adviser