Government support to combat rural stress

£300,000 of Government money is being made available for projects that help people who are suffering from stress in rural areas.

Charity and voluntary groups and partnerships, at both national and local level, have until 9 February 2005 to submit applications for funding under the fifth Defra Rural Stress Action Plan. A second application window will be open after March.

The Action Plan, which is administered by the Rural Stress Information Network, is aimed at helping rural people who are suffering from or are at risk of stress in four target groups:

- owners, occupiers and workers on the land

- people who run small rural businesses and their employees

- people with debt problems

- people at risk of suicide

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael said:

"The Rural Stress Action Plan has helped many people over the past five years, and this money demonstrates our continued commitment to helping rural communities gain access to the support they need.

"The voluntary and community sector has a vital role here, and we want to see the further strengthening of the networks and the support services they provide at local, regional and national levels.

"This includes work to influence mental health and well-being services, and tackling social, practical and psychological isolation, which can be a particular problem in rural areas".

Grants will be distributed through an open process and are expected to range between £5,000 and £75,000. Part-funding of the proposals from other sources is encouraged.