Judith Vickress’s (CF 2023) work on domestic abuse in rural communities was featured in the Rural Services Network’s Winter Services Partnership Spotlight.
By Judith Vickress, 2026
Rural communities
About this theme
This theme covers topics relating to strengthening rural communities. Between 2019-2023 the Churchill Fellowship ran a designated programme of Fellowships on this theme in partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund. Fellows from across the years continue to explore this theme as part of their Fellowships. You can read more about them, their reports, and their latest activity below. Fellows’ stories
Judith Vickress (CF 2023) featured on BBC Countryfile, where her Churchill Fellowship research on domestic abuse in rural communities was highlighted.
By Judith Vickress, 2026
Judith Vickress (CF 2023) took part in The VAWG Curriculum campaign by Killed Women, highlighting the additional barriers faced by survivors in rural areas.
By Judith Vickress, 2025
Joy O’Neill (CF 2020) spoke at the RSA South East Autumn Coffeehouse Session on 17 October, sharing insights from her Churchill Fellowship on care farming.
By Joy O'Neill, 2025
Samuel Huczmann (CF 2025) has been recognised as a Fellow of the Institute of Health & Social Care Management (IHSCM).
By Samuel Huczmann, 2025
Joy O’Neill (CF 2020) has published an article in the September 2025 edition of the European Green Care Journal.
By Joy O'Neill, 2025
Joy O’Neill (CF 2020) has become a Playful Green Planet Champion for the RSA.
By Joy O'Neill, 2025
Keith Ruffles travelled across Canada to explore how rural communities are using migration to reverse population decline. Over five weeks, he visited six towns taking part in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), meeting with local coordinators, federal agencies, and migrants like Natalia and Mohammad, who shared their experiences of settling in Canada. In this blog, Keith reflects on what the UK could learn from Canada’s community-driven approach to migration, and how the Fellowship gave him the time, space, and connection to explore these issues in depth.
By Keith Ruffles, 2025
Sepideh Mojabi (CF 2020) has been appointed Chair of the charity NERS, the North of England Refugee Service.
By Sepideh Mojabi, 2025
Joy O’Neill (CF 2020) has been appointed as a Trustee for the charity Social Farms and Gardens.
By Joy O'Neill, 2025