Community Groups urged to tackle Rural Poverty (01/10/09)

01 October 2009

REMINDER: Deadline for the Rural Challenge Programme is is 5pm on 30 October 2009.

The Rural Challenge Programme aims to help tackle poverty and social exclusion within rural communities. Through the Programme rural groups will have to identify local poverty and social exclusion issues and then provide solutions that address the challenges faced by rural communities. These challenges can be addressed through the development of a series of locally focussed projects which can be funded through the Challenge Programme.

As part of the application process, mandatory Best Practice Workshops are being held throughout October, across Northern Ireland. The workshops are designed to provide help and advice with the application process and will provide:
• advice on how best to identify the specific poverty and exclusion issues affecting an applicants area;
• advice on to engage with those who are experiencing poverty and exclusion;
• advice on how best to identify the most suitable responses needed for your community;
• an overview of the Rural Challenge Programme and the issues which the Programme is seeking to address; and
• clarification on the research aspect of the Programme

Over 80 people have already attended workshops held during September and after completing a workshop in Lisnaskea, Gretta Farmer, Boho Women’s Group, encouraged others to attend. She said: “I found the Rural Challenge Best Practice Workshop to be very informative and very well structured. It made me think about people who potentially may be experiencing poverty and exclusion, how best to identify their difficulties and what solutions my community group could put in place to address these issues. The workshop also provided excellent practical guidance on how to complete the application form.”

The Best Practice Workshops are being delivered by the Rural Development Council (RDC) on DARD’s behalf and registration prior to attending a workshop is essential. To register please contact Samantha or Kerry at the RDC on 028 8676 6980 at least 4 working days in advance of the workshop.




This programme was developed as a direct response to issues identified in the Rural Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Framework developed during 2008/09. Download Document

The Rural Challenge Programme involves an application form and compulsory attendance at a Best Practice Workshop.

Applications to the Programme will be welcomed from voluntary and community based organisations who must at the time of application, have a formal constitution or set of rules and a specific bank account. The Programme is administered from Rural Development Division, 21 Hospital Road, Omagh, County Tyrone.

You must register for an application form with RDD Omagh before registering to attend a Best Practice workshop.

Application packs are available and can be obtained by contacting RDD Omagh (Tel - 028 82 247727) or emailing rural.challengeprogramme@dardni.gov.uk. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 5.00pm on 30 October 2009.

Best Practice Workshops

Directions to all Workshop Venues

To register and secure your place please contact Samantha or Kerry at RDC on 028 867 66980 at least 4 working days in advance of your chosen workshop.