Starting the Conversation: Rural Health and Wellbeing in Warwickshire

Starting the Conversation: Rural Health and Wellbeing in Warwickshire

Author:

Chris Cowcher

Categories

Photo (L-R): Rosie Weaver BEM (WALC & WRCC Chair), Tara Bhaur (VCFSE Collaborative), Louise Brown (Midcounties Coop), Gill Cleeve (VASA), Chris Cowcher (WRCC), Kirsty Holder (SHWP), Rob Allison (Facilitator), Jennifer McCabe (Warwickshire County Council), Mike Wells (SWFT), Beth Pritchard (NFU), Karen Ashby (PCN), Sharon Dawson (North Warks Borough Council) and Michael Garrett (Age UK).

On Wednesday 17th September, WRCC convened a cross-sector roundtable at Wolston Leisure & Community Centre to begin a vital conversation about rural health and wellbeing in Warwickshire.

The event brought together representatives from primary and secondary care, voluntary and community organisations, housing providers, local government, and the business sector. Together, we explored the unique challenges facing rural communities – from isolation and transport barriers to digital exclusion and housing shortages – and the opportunities for smarter collaboration to address them.

A Shared Understanding, A Shared Commitment

Participants shared what their organisations are already doing to support rural health, and what limits their impact beyond funding. Common themes included:

  • The need for better awareness of services and support available.
  • The importance of building confidence and social connections within communities.
  • Overcoming the “digital barrier” and supporting those most need.
  • The challenge of adapting national strategies – like the NHS 10-year plan and Local Government Reorganisation – to rural realities.

There was strong consensus that improving health outcomes in rural Warwickshire will require a joined-up approach, with organisations (and sectors) working together more effectively and listening closely to the lived experiences of local people.

Why WRCC Is Leading This Work

Rosie Weaver BEM, Chair of WRCC, reflected on the importance of the charity’s role in convening this conversation:

“As a rural charity, WRCC is uniquely placed to bring partners together and represent the interests of the communities we serve. Too often, rural needs are hidden or overlooked. This event was about making the case for change—ensuring that rural voices are heard and that services are shaped around the realities of rural life.”

WRCC represents rural interests as part of the VCFSE Collaborative, convened by Warwickshire CAVA (who part funded the event in Wolston).

Next Steps: A Larger Event and a Call to Action

Building on the success of this initial workshop, WRCC is now planning a larger stakeholder event in the Autumn. The aim is to bring together 40–80 representatives, including front-line staff, community leaders, and residents, to deepen the conversation and begin to agree on shared priorities for rural health.

These priorities will be used to influence how the NHS 10-year plan and the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation are implemented in Warwickshire’s rural communities.

Get Involved

We are actively seeking:

  • Partners and funders to help us deliver the event (estimated budget: £3k–£5k).
  • Organisations working in health, wellbeing, housing, transport, and community development who want to be part of this journey.
  • Residents of rural Warwickshire who want to share their experiences of accessing health and wellbeing services.

📩 If you’d like to be involved, or have a story to share, please contact Chris Cowcher, WRCC CEO via chrisc@wrccrural.org.uk.

Together, we can shape a healthier future for Warwickshire’s rural communities.