The Rural Community Network (RCN), who are core funded by the Community Relations Council, is delivering a special digital project during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The “In This Together Project – Rural Communities, Rural Connections” showcases how relationships have developed during the current pandemic, as well as exploring areas and communities where relations have potentially developed for the better.
This week we feature a special project from Mid Ulster Community And Arts Trust.
Feature Project – MUCAT
The idea behind the project was to positively engage young people in creatively capturing their thoughts on home at this challenging time for them. It was developed by Mid Ulster Community and Arts Trust (MUCAT). As part of the project, they addressed issues of social isolation with older members of the community.
Eimear Montague, Office Manager of MUCAT, which manages the Patrician Hall in Carrickmore, paid tribute to Diarmuid McGurk Committee Secretary who was the inspiration behind this project.
Eimear explained how the project engages with the local community:
“We wanted to address the issue of social isolation particularly with older members of the community and hence why we encouraged young people to also contact elderly relations and neighbours to get their input also. The idea is that this body of work creates a recording in art and poetry in this unique time in our shared history.”
Eimear spoke about other services that MUCAT is also delivering:
“Some of the ways we have been trying to engage still with our community is offering Traditional Irish Music Classes online (Ceol Carmen) and also promoting Pilates classes via Zoom.”
Read more about the project here: http://www.ruralcommunitynetwork.org/News/prognews.aspx?id=119
Innovative activities through groups in mid Ulster and the North West
Charmain Jones, In This Together project coordinator for RCN, spoke about the innovative community work taking place across the district.
Charmain said: "We have seen some really innovative activities through these groups in mid Ulster and the North West. Online theory lessons, online performances, online classes in dance and music, fun activities such as bingo and historical activities. Using equipment that groups already have in their community centres to make face masks for frontline workers. These groups have put thought into action and the benefits are clear to see. They have helped young and old in their communities as well as frontline workers in the NHS and care sector. It shows rural at its best.
"What is also clear is that these groups are now thinking about how unlocking can be done safely and what types of activities they can possibly engage in to keep both themselves and communities safe."
The Best of Rural Communities
RCN are showcasing the best of rural communities and how individual and collective action help others.
Charmain said: “Whilst this pandemic continues, we will be posting videos and short stories from individuals working in the community either paid or voluntary, and hear from them first-hand about how we are In This Together.”
Videos and stories will appear on the RCN website.
Find out more about RCN’s In this together Project
Get Involved
If you would like to be involved phone Charmain on 028 8676 6670 or email charmain@ruralcommunitynetwork.org.
Further Information
RCN is funded by the Community Relations Council’s core funding scheme. Learn more about our core funding scheme.