Global approaches to strengthening rural life will be explored in a programme of fellowships which will open for applications on September 13.
Run by the Churchill Fellowship in partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund, these fellowships will fund individuals to discover new ideas and best practice from leading practitioners, anywhere in the world, in order to develop innovative solutions for the UK .
This dedicated fellowship theme on “rural communities” will focus on projects that explore multidisciplinary approaches for strengthening rural life in all its aspects.
These projects might aim, for example, to invigorate transport networks, reimagine housing, employment and enterprise, or improve access to education, culture and healthcare .
This fellowship theme is in its third year of a three-year partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund.
Once selected, fellows join a cohort of others working to address similar issues.
29 Fellows were selected in this area across 2019 and 2020, with projects ranging from integrating refugees into rural areas to supporting new entrant farmers to providing mental health support through care farming.
Churchill Fellowships are open to all adult UK citizens regardless of qualifications, background or age, and the international research can be undertaken online or through travel, where necessary.
Existing fellows are already working in this field, using the ideas and knowledge acquired on their fellowships to set up new organisations, influence policy, create new models of practice and deliver a range of other interventions.
Julia Weston, chief executive of the Churchill Fellowship, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with The Prince’s Countryside Fund for a third year of Churchill Fellowships which seek new ideas and solutions from around the world to strengthen our rural communities.
“Every year we are inspired by the passion and determination of Churchill Fellows to make a difference, supported by the knowledge and ideas acquired through their fellowship research.
“We look forward to welcoming applications in September from any UK citizen with a vision for change in this area . “
