RURALISE is a European project working to support affordable, inclusive and sustainable housing in rural communities. Across six pilot regions in Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Norway, the project brings together housing evidence and local knowledge to develop practical, place-based solutions.
Problem definition
Many rural areas are experiencing population decline and ageing, alongside vacant or deteriorating housing. In some places, a high number of second homes adds pressure to housing costs, while vulnerable residents may lack the support they need. At the same time, rural communities have distinctive social, cultural and natural strengths that can help drive a sustainable recovery. Building on these strengths calls for responses that reflect local needs and make the most of each community’s assets.
Our role
Mapping for Change leads the project’s participatory work. We support inclusive engagement across the six pilots and help establish Learning and Action Alliances, bringing local stakeholders together to understand challenges, share knowledge and work towards solutions.
We also help develop and refine Ruralise’s co-design approach, connecting community knowledge and project evidence with the development of pilot plans. This supports learning between the pilot regions and helps ensure that proposed responses reflect local priorities.
Partners
Ruralise is funded under Horizon Europe under Grant agreement n°101288580 and is led at the European level by the Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy. The project brings together partners from across Europe to work with six rural pilot regions in Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Norway.
Related Projects
COMENSI - Bridging the gap between adults and civic engagement
An EU project which aims to understand the lack of participation amongst adults, in formal consultations within deprived neighbourhoods. The project aims to understand the reasons for such lack for participation and which tools and strategies could be developed to change it.
Ramp It Up!
‘Ramp It Up’ was a social media campaign aiming to increase awareness about the barriers people with limited mobility face on a daily basis. We called on communities to help their towns and cities become more wheelchair friendly by encouraging shops, restaurants or any building open to the public to use portable wheelchair ramps if more permanent solutions cannot be made.
Evaluating People Zones Leicestershire
Through engaging residents in an Asset-Based Community Development Approach, our research for People Zones Leicestershire generated lasting resources which helped identify opportunities for hyper localised community initiatives. Now, we’re returning to evaluate the program’s impact, aiming to provide concrete evidence of its effectiveness in reducing crime and promoting community well-being.