Cornwall
Cornwall is, undoubtedly, a beautiful place; but its reputation as the sunshine capital of England belies an area with pockets of high social deprivation.
The low-wage economy in Cornwall, the seasonal nature of many dominant employment sectors and low savings levels among average-to-low income families means many are at high risk of homelessness and unemployment.
Social housing forms only 12 per cent of the housing stock, compared to 23 per cent nationally – and house prices are around ten times the average annual income.
In addition, the slow demise of traditional fishing, tin mining, and china clay industries means many areas have been de-populated, with holiday lets and seasonal second-homers replacing the original community.
St Austell Community Kitchen (STAK); St Thomas’s Church in Camelford; and Newlyn’s Trinity Church Community Centre have all been instrumental in helping local people determined to tackle these issues.