Provision of Basic Services Targeted at Hard to Reach Communities

This sub-theme focuses improving on access to basic services for people living in rural and remote areas and groups who are at risk of social exclusion. In some cases, it might involve the introduction of a new service or the re-introduction of a previously withdrawn service under the following categories –

• community;
• education/training;
• social/cultural; and
• recreation;

Examples of groups who may be at risk of social exclusion include, but are not limited to –

• those living in disadvantaged areas;
• those living in remote and less accessible areas;
• unemployed and underemployed people;
• fishermen or farmers on small holdings;
• women;
• children;
• lone parents;
• people with a disability;
• older people;
• people living alone;
• NEETs (Young People who are Not in Employment, Education or Training);
• migrants/new communities (including refugees/asylum seekers);
• Travellers; and

Rural Youth

The promotion of youth entrepreneurship and associated training can provide improved pathways for young people to access economic opportunities in rural areas.  Actions that develop the social infrastructure of rural areas provide important opportunities for young people to realise their potential. These might include –

• the provision of youth clubs/cafés;
• improved access to ICT;
• sports/recreation activities;
• arts-based projects; and
• youth development programmes.

Young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable, also have distinct needs regarding the type of services they may need to access.

For the purposes of LEADER, young people are defined as people aged 15 to 35 years.