RMTG Sounding Boards: Rural Voices of All Ages Heard

Earlier this month, the Rural Services Network hosted two Sounding Board sessions for its Rural Market Town Group (RMTG), bringing together local representatives to explore the unique challenges facing both older and younger people in rural communities.

Older People Sounding Board

Chaired by RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth, this session focused on the issues most affecting older residents in rural towns.

Key concerns included access to health and care services, the availability of transport, and the rising cost of living. Participants shared local initiatives, such as establishing age-friendly communities—from added seating in community areas to improved bus?stop signage. The digital divide, the decline of local services like banks and post offices, and the need for tailored rural ageing policies were also highlighted.

The group drew inspiration from the RSN’s Delivering for All campaign and discussed recommended priority actions for the next government to support older rural populations.

Younger People Sounding Board

Later in the week, the focus shifted to young people. With contributions from Linda Newton and Cllr. Paul Cowell of Thame Youth Projects, attendees discussed youth mental health, social exclusion, and limited service provision despite constrained budgets and facilities.

Challenges raised included poor transport links, inadequate digital connectivity for education and training, and drug related issues in small towns.

Delegates called for more sustainable funding for youth services, increased collaboration across counties, and the creation of safe, supported spaces for young people in rural areas.

Both sessions reinforced the importance of hearing directly from rural communities and facilitating peer to peer learning. The Sounding Boards provided an impactful platform for towns to share ideas and develop solutions together. Thank you to all attendees and speakers.

The Rural Market Town Group (RMTG) is a membership network of over 300 rural market towns and councils. It provides a platform for representing market town concerns and offers peer to peer learning opportunities through events like these Sounding Boards. Learn more and explore membership details here: www.rsnonline.org.uk/page/rural-market-town-group