Rachel is on income support and doesn't drive. She is taking an NVQ in childcare to increase her income and employability. Her 17-year-old daughter travels to college on public transport, which costs £8.50 a day. She is re-taking her GCSEs, having had little support for her dyslexia. None of the children attend after-school clubs because they would miss the school bus.
Rachel is concerned about her teenage son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette's syndrome, as his behaviour is getting more difficult to manage. She relies on neighbours and friends to drive her to the school.
The parish council has complained about the noise from Rachel's house and garden. Her sons socialise there with friends due to a lack of village youth activities.
Rachel has had no contact with any services and does not claim her full benefits entitlement. However, she says her family likes living in the countryside. They have support from friends and she believes the peaceful environment compensates for what they don't have. She recognises her family has low aspirations, but remains optimistic.
- Jim Davis, chair, Coalition for Rural Children and Young People.
RURAL POLICY PRIORITIES
Meeting the needs of disadvantaged rural families requires extra investment. The Coalition for Rural Children and Young People's policy priorities for 2008-10 include:
- Access to play, leisure and recreational opportunities
- Fair and affordable access to all essential services and transport
- Increased training opportunities
- All children to feel and be safe.
