Issues in Rural Areas Rural Isolation Rural isolation is a problem reported in many rural areas, where people may be living alone some distance from their nearest neighbours. The lack of, and distance from, social activities further exacerbate this problem where people often need to travel to the nearest town to access social activities. This can be challenging or impossible if there is no access to transport or where people do not have the resources to pay for public transport. Homelessness in rural areas - issues arising Availability and Access to Homeless and Support Services The availability of homeless services is lower in areas outside the larger cities of Ireland and access to services can be one of the major reasons why people migrate to cities. There may be little or no access to services in smaller towns, with a perception that homelessness does not exist or is not a serious problem in rural areas. There is concern that unaddressed support needs can contribute to people being at a greater risk of becoming homeless in rural areas. In addition, support services are critical when helping 11 people to move out of homelessness. Another challenge reported is the closing down of banks and local post offices in more rural areas making it difficult for people to collect social welfare payments. Transport Geographical distance is a hindrance for both service users in accessing and service providers in providing homeless services. People need to travel, sometimes long distances to the nearest town to services and in some communities the range of services that are provided are limited. Access to support services such as mental health and drug and alcohol services are also equally hindered by geographical distance. A study carried out by Crisis UK on rural homelessness found that one of the disadvantages of being homeless in a rural area was relying on public transport to meet appointment times whether it is with homeless services or other support services and the possibility of missing appointments if transport is delayed27. This is supported by feedback from the Simon Communities suggesting that transport was one of the biggest barriers for service users accessing services and support services in rural areas in Ireland. Even where public transport is provided it is limited, bus times don’t always coincide with appointment times or people may not have the resources to pay for the cost of transport. 27 www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/publications/TheyThinkIDon’tExist1.pdf
Left out in the cold: A review of rural homelessness in Ireland
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