Monday, 01 March 2010
Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes is supporting a campaign to help raise awareness of the real hardship that exists in England’s rural areas, and funds to help rural charity the Arthur Rank Centre.
The ARC reports 900,000 households (including 700,000 children) live on or below the poverty line in rural districts in England. This coupled with diminishing local services, closure of post offices and primary schools, lack of affordable housing and uncertain agricultural incomes leaves many vulnerable, isolated and living in constant worry. But the problem is barely recognised, either by policy makers or even by those living side-by-side with this hidden hardship.
Pam Rhodes explained why she is supporting the ARC campaign. “ARC has supported the rural community and its churches for over 35 years and can make a small amount of money go a very long way - but raising funds when the needs are so great is a constant challenge. There are so many worthy causes across the world - but we are talking about an acute and sometimes hidden need within our own local communities. In particular I think we owe our farming community so much. That is why I urge people, wherever they live, to support this appeal on March 7th.”
Over the years ARC has also supported the church in its outreach in rural communities as well as setting up practical projects wherever they are needed most: to help provide housing, training, local facilities – like post offices in church halls and low-cost computers for youth groups and the WI - and care for the most vulnerable people in rural society.
Pam Rhodes called for people to tune in to Radio 4 on Sunday: “Please use this Sunday to think of lonely, depressed or troubled neighbours in your own communities - especially during these long dark winter days when they will feel most alone – and help them by supporting the ARC radio appeal.”
Ends
For more information please contact:
Rev’d Dr Gordon Gatward
02476 853060
Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh
Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ
Notes
The Arthur Rank Centre is a charity supported by the National Churches, the Royal Agricultural Society of England and the Rank Foundation, which supports the rural community and its churches through a programme of community and social projects, resourcing and training; website: www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk
A transcript of the BBC Radio 4 Appeal for the Arthur Rank Centre is available (under embargo until Sunday 7th March)
Case studies from the ARC are available (names changed to protect confidentiality)
Both from Laura Cruse, 02476 853060, laurac@rase.org.uk
