What is the Rural Women's Network-Somerset?

The Rural Women's Network Somerset was set up in 2002 to raise awareness of rural stress, to improve rural women's wellbeing and their access to support throughout Somerset by promoting communication between organisations across Somerset on the ways that life in the countryside can be stressful, and on effective ways to respond. To support all rural women regardless of ability, colour and creed to make the most of themselves, to gain confidence and live life to the full. Also to provide support and advice services for rural women who are seeking work or who are hoping to enter self-employment.

Why do we need a Rural Women's Network in Somerset?

• Rural families are increasingly in need of other sources of income but there are limited job opportunities in rural areas.
• Women in rural areas often have many skills which could be used to earn extra money
• Lack of childcare and transport can make it difficult for many women to access training, support and jobs.
• Women often plan new enterprises while looking after small children. This means that they are unable to make use of traditional business support mechanisms that assume a full time commitment.
• Diverse issues such as isolation, access to (fulfilling and adequately paid) employment, falling farm incomes, and domestic abuse, can have a particular impact on rural women; and women also may find themselves absorbing the stresses of other family members as they try to offer support.
• Research at county and national level suggests that the formation of a Rural Women's Network in Somerset is timely. A report for Mind in Taunton and West Somerset, 'Mind the Gap', quotes research by Somerset Health Authority showing that one in three people in West Somerset experiences psychological distress - more than double the national incidence.
• The Government's innovative consultation document, 'Women's Mental Health, Into the Mainstream', published recently, emphasizes the value of listening to women and of validating their experience, of making gender sensitivity an integral part of service planning and delivery. It also underlines the role that social networks can play in combating isolation and promoting well-being.
• The Rural Women's Network - Somerset enables participants to gain confidence in their ability to create a business, learn new skills, work with like minded women and improve their prospects of finding work.

How does the Rural Women's Network-Somerset work?

The RWN - Somerset helps women in rural Somerset by signposting a range of services offered by organizations and individuals across the county and helping to set up network groups. These include:

• Personal development courses - that increase confidence, communication skills, time management, etc
• Business skills courses - that help women who are setting up in business gain the skills they need
• Network groups - these provide a social setting where women can meet others, listen to speakers and gain support from each other. These groups need volunteers to get going - Please let us know if you would like to get involved.
• Quarterly meetings of the Network with speakers, lunch and a chance to find out whos who and what is happening for women in Somerset!
• Website - which everyone can visit to find out information about the Network, Gain up to date information about help and advice relevant to women in rural Somerset in one place and advertise their rural business in our members' business directory.
• Other events - an annual general meeting and dinner provide opportunities for members to meet others, network and hear really useful speakers.
• Promoting the interests of rural women in Somerset and raising awareness of the difficulties that they may face.