From floods to pandemics - resilience for rural communities at times of crisis.

Communities Prepared (a Groundwork South programme) and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) have published a new guide to help rural communities become more resilient in the face of emergencies.

Drawing on the experience of local rural charities and existing initiatives, the guide provides practical tips for rural residents to prepare for, and help each other, at times of crisis. It shows how volunteer groups can be set up to develop emergency plans that identify local risks, and maps out the resources and support which can be mobilised should situations arise that threaten the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of people in the local area.

The guide features stories where rural communities took a proactive approach to anticipating and responding to emergency situations. These include the delivery of hot meals to residents in Caddington, Bedfordshire, who were left without electricity and gas after heavy snowfall, and community and voluntary organisations that joined together to help residents and businesses recover following the extensive flood damage caused by Storm Desmond in 2015.

Building community resilience to challenges also has many other benefits. Examples in the guide show how this can also bring about environmental improvements, foster new community networks, and underpin social cohesion.

This essential guide will make it possible for everyone in the countryside to recognise the risks to their community, understand what can be done to prepare for them, and be familiar with the emergency actions that can be taken in conjunction with other agencies should the worst happen.

To Download a copy of the guide click on the link below (it is a large file, over 6,500 KB).

A Guide to Community Resilience