Each year, Community Action Northumberland (CAN) organises a conference focusing on a critical issue facing rural Northumberland.

Two years ago the conference looked at deprivation in a rural context and last year attempted to dive into the complex issue of transport. This year the conference will focus on health – the key issues viewed from a strategic perspective and local solutions, both existing and potential. Health emerged from a 2017 national survey of rural residents as the issue of highest concern and is the subject of continuing debate at national and more local levels.

CAN president, Lord Curry of Kirkharkle, will chair the conference and there will be a range of speakers from Northumberland Public Health, Northumberland County Council and local initiatives as well short presentations from external speakers to initiate discussion on possible new approaches such as social prescribing – Healthwatch Northumberland’s Derry Nugent will be there presenting the results of our annual survey.

The conference will begin with a buffet lunch and include plenty of time for discussion. The venue is St Mary’s Hall at St Mary’s Park, Stannington – this is a new village hall venue, provided as part of the new housing development on this site.

Places at the conference are free and can be booked here.