Rural Support

In March 2021, The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund (PWCF) awarded Rural Support with funds for the ‘reviving rural‘ project as part of the PWCF COVID-19 Recovery Fund. The project is based across deprived communities in rural Northern Ireland, and works to re-engage people with their communities in a relaxed and informal environment whilst increasing knowledge of services and activities available.

Most project participants come from a farming background, and have experienced isolation during the pandemic as typical places to meet others with similar interests – such as auctions or marts – were suspended due to lockdown restrictions. The ‘reviving rural’ project is currently benefitting fourteen men aged between 66 and 84. As well as encouraging new friendships, Rural Support aims to help beneficiaries to realise that help and support is available and let them know where assistance can be found.

The group typically meets to complete different activities, including a recent Christmas meal on the Glenpark Estate, which was enjoyed by all.

To read more about the work of Rural Support, please click here.