Recommendations for increasing accessibility

✅ Engage communities at risk of isolation in the design, planning and development of public spaces and facilities.
✅ Consider accessibility of services, including affordability and public transport and cycle routes.
✅ Design out barriers to connecting from the start to maximise benefits for local communities.
✅ Consider how accessible spaces within the workplace or organisation can be used to encourage and enable social contact, for both staff, service users and customers.
✅ Ensure that environments are inclusive to a broad range of users (making your service accessible: an introduction - Service Manual).

Organisations working in the health and care sector should consider the needs of their local rural populations when they develop or review strategies and service delivery plans. The ‘Rural proofing for health toolkit’, has been produced to support health and social care organisations to improve service provision and outcomes for those living in rural areas.