Big Lottery Fund

This study considers the nature and causes of rural isolation and puts it into a wider context, as well as reviewing how BIG’s activities and grant-making have responded to need.

The study was undertaken by Leisure Futures Ltd in 2010 and 2011. It identifies some key successes, lessons and recommendations for us and other funders and policy-makers. The report is accompanied by a set of 52 case studies based on BIG projects.

Here is a flavour of the findings:

• The ageing of the UK population is the most significant factor in increasing levels of rural isolation.
• Reductions in public transport services and rises in fuel costs also increase rural isolation.
• Our projects are helping to reduce isolation for many people in rural areas, particularly if their isolation results from low income, poor health, disability or (for older people) a lack of social contact.
• Running projects in rural areas tends to cost more, largely because of increased transport and communication costs.

Read the report This report considers factors that contribute to rural isolation and how BIG’s funding in England and Scotland has helped to overcome this type of isolation. - 878KB

If you would like to know more about this study (or to read the case studies), please e-mail peter.bailey@biglotteryfund.org.uk