This project explores how community-based models focused on Relational Welfare and Asset-Based Community Development can enhance social cohesion, health, and resilience in rural areas. The research examines disadvantaged and underserved populations can be supported in rural contexts through strengthening local communities, place-based activities and social capital. The project seeks to uncover 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.
Timeframe: 01.06.2025- 30.04.2028.
Funding: SDU.
Contacts:
Lisbeth Kronsted Lund, PhD Student, The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Health Promotion, lklund@health.sdu.dk
Supervisor: Leena Eklund Karlsson, Associate Professor, The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Health Promotion leklund@health.sdu.dk
Co-supervisors: Louise Lund Holm Thomsen, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Health Promotion, ouiselundthomsen@health.sdu.dk
Annette Aagaard Thuesen, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science, Centre for Rural Research (CLF), aat@sam.sdu.dk