This project explores how community-based models (Relational Welfare and Asset-Based Community Development), can enhance social cohesion, health, and resilience in rural areas in Varde Municipality. The research examines the possibility of adapting an existing urban social housing intervention (COMMUNITY), including social caretakers and forwarded municipal staff, to support vulnerable populations in rural contexts, and strengthening local communities, place-based activities and social capital. The project uncovers the mechanisms, theories and methodological considerations of how community initiatives promote well-being, trust, and empowerment while addressing challenges of scaling urban models to rural settings. The study addresses a significant and timely challenge for the contemporary public health, health equity and health system governance in Denmark. The findings of this study will inform policymakers and practitioners about effective strategies for improving social cohesion and well-being in rural communities and provide actionable insights for developing inclusive and sustainable rural policies.

Partners/collaborators: The Social Housing Team Varde, Varde Municipality.

Timeframe: 01.05.2025- 31.08.2028.

Funding: SDU, The National Building Fund and Velux-foundation

Contacts:

Leena Eklund Karlsson, Associate Professor, The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Health Promotion (Supervisor), leklund@health.sdu.dk

Lisbeth Kronsted Lund, PhD Student, The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Health Promotion, lklund@health.sdu.dk

Pernille Tanggaard Andersen, Professor, Head of Department, The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health (Co-supervisor), ptandersen@health.sdu.dk

Louise Lund Holm Thomsen, Post Doc, The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Health Promotion (Co-supervisor), louiselundthomsen@health.sdu.dk