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Hidden hardship: everyday experiences, coping strategies, and barriers to wellbeing in rural Britain

Hidden hardship: everyday experiences, coping strategies, and barriers to wellbeing in rural Britain

Funder

British Acadency and Leverhulme Trust

Value to Coventry University

£9,366

Team

Dr Stephanie Denning

Duration

October 2022 - January 2024

External website

https://hiddenhardship.coventry.ac.uk/ 


Project overview

Rural poverty is a problem in the UK - 17% of rural households in England are experiencing relative poverty after housing costs - yet it is often hidden by tourism and wealthier neighbours. Urban areas have been the dominant focus in social science research on UK poverty, however, responses to urban poverty are not directly translatable to rural contexts. Specific attention therefore needs to be given to people’s experiences of rural poverty. This research uses a participatory methodology to understand people’s experiences of hidden hardship in the rural North Cotswolds, Gloucestershire. It will investigate people’s hardship journeys, coping strategies and navigation of barriers to improved wellbeing. By gaining understanding of people’s everyday lived experiences of rural hardship, this research will inform public understanding of rural hardship through a travelling exhibition, and inform voluntary sector and governmental responses to rural hardship through tailored resources including a policy report.

Project Objectives

To understand lived experiences of people in hardship in the rural North Cotswolds – their hardship journeys, coping strategies and navigation of barriers to improved wellbeing. By understanding the specifics of rural hardship and by making hidden everyday experiences and coping mechanisms of hardship visible, the outcome of this objective will be better informed individual, voluntary sector and government responses to rural hardship.

 Queen’s Award for Enterprise Logo
University of the year shortlisted
QS Five Star Rating 2023