Conference focus on technology

Delegates from across the European Union will be gathering at Uttoxeter Racecourse for a conference at the conclusion of a two-year project focusing on how new technology can empower isolated rural communities.

This European partnership has been involved in research with the potential to make a real difference to the lives of people living in rural areas in Staffordshire and across Europe.

The Transnational Conference on Wednesday June 20 has been organised by Staffordshire County Council so partners can share their experiences and ideas – leading to yet more life changing communication in the countryside.

Experts are coming from as far afield as Romania, Slovakia, Extremadura – one of Spain's most sparsely populated regions – and the County of Mayo in western Ireland.

Staffordshire Women's Aid has been taking part in the research project, the results of which will be shared at a European level, ensuring the views of isolated and abused women and their children can contribute to developments in the future.

The voluntary sector organisation, which has been running for 30 years, provides advice, support and safe accommodation for women and children at risk of domestic violence.

It also provides training and conducts research on domestic violence and related issues. However, women living in isolated rural locations are particularly hard to reach and at risk and this has been a focus for the Staffordshire partners.

SWA has been given the funding and support to find out exactly what worries and concerns the women they work with have about information technology and their views on how it could help them.

The team has also gone to other local specialists and organisations like rural social workers and parish councils to see what role technology can play in giving them more power and information to help those in need.

Chief Executive Dickie Chester-James said: "It's been a really exciting project that has given isolated and abused Staffordshire women a voice in looking at how to change things in the future to combat rural isolation where domestic violence is concerned.

"Being part of the research has enabled them to feel that their experiences are being acknowledged.

"It can liberate but there are real barriers and fears for many women and small organisations campaigning on their behalf," he said.

Anyone who wants to contact Staffordshire Women's Aid 24 hour helpline for support can ring 0870 270 0123.

On the jobs and prosperity front the county council has worked closely with Advantage West Midlands and internet giant BT to deliver the Staffordshire Broadband Access Project – connecting isolated rural villagers across Staffordshire.