Institute of Rural Health

Leading the way in informing, developing and promoting the health and wellbeing of rural people and their communities

The Institute of Rural Health is a UK-wide academic charity, established in 1997, working to inform, develop and promote the health and wellbeing of rural people and their communities through its three main academic programme areas: research and projects (contributing to the evidence base), education and training (developing a workforce fit for purpose), and policy analysis (including rural proofing).

These three academic programmes have enabled the IRH to build up a knowledge base on rural health and wellbeing and develop a wide range of skills that it can offer to clients in the statutory, academic and charitable sectors. The IRH has developed a Manifesto to set out the priorities that IRH believes need to be addressed by policy makers who are serious about providing and enabling rural health and wellbeing. The evidence shows that for most people rural areas are a good place to live. However, for the most vulnerable in our communities this may not be the case and this Manifesto sets out the priorities to be addressed that will make the countryside a better place for everyone.

Building on its skills, knowledge and experience the IRH services available include event organisation, research skills, evaluation. The whole range of services available is set out in the prospectus.

Individuals and organisations are able to get involved with and support the IRH by working in partnership, utilising the services available through the prospectus, becoming an associate or making a donation.

The IRH is a member organisation, a registered charity (no. 1061438) and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee (no. 3299626) with a Board of Trustees, who are elected at the Annual General Meeting.

The Patron is His Grace the Duke of Westminster, KG OBE TD DL.