Rural Area Partnership Incorporated

21/08/2026

On Thursday, the Learmount History Group visited the Ulster Museum as part of the 'Our Present Past' Project.

The visit provided the group with an opportunity to explore the history of Northern Ireland and consider how our shared past has shaped the society we live in today.

The group will also be taking part in a series of workshops over the coming months, exploring our rich and complex history, sharing experiences and learning more about the events that have shaped our communities and our lives.

The programme is supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

20/08/2026

Specialist Social Mentoring Programme

Through our HARC Project at RAPID, RAPID are offering local community organisations specialist one to one support to explore new social enterprise opportunities, strengthen existing activity and consider how your organisation can build greater financial sustainability and long-term community impact.
With funding becoming increasingly competitive, this is an opportunity to look at how your organisation can diversify income, strengthen its sustainability and turn ideas into an achievable action plan with specialist support.

Any support given will be specific to the needs and requests of the organisation.

To find out more register for one our information workshops using this booking link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/KmUxmSUBye

Tuesday, 15 September | 10.00 am–1.00 pm
The Diamond Centre, Claudy
Guest Speaker: Claire Russell, Easilink Community Transport

Tuesday, 22 September | 2.00 pm–5.00 pm
Newtownstewart Centre 2000
Guest Speaker: Annie Mullan, Butterlope Farm

24/07/2026

🚴🚵Cycle in the Sperrins with the HARC Project 🚴🚵
Our first cycling event with the HARC project takes place on Friday 14th August from 11am - 3pm.
We are delighted to be offering a taster session to cycling, starting at Learmount Community Centre there will be time to get to know your bike in the forest before cycling to Dart Mountain Cheese. Once here, refreshments will be provided before heading back to Learmount. There is no charge to this event.

All equipment supplied, bikes and helmets, and spaces are limited!! Please note that due to size of the bikes this is an adult only event.
🔴BOOK NOW: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1994661770049?aff=oddtdtcreator

A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

14/07/2026

It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of Gus Hastings, a dedicated champion of rural communities and a founding member of RAPID since 1994.

For more than three decades, Gus gave his time, energy and expertise to improving the lives of people across our rural communities. His unwavering commitment, leadership and passion helped shape RAPID into the organisation it is today, leaving a legacy that will continue to benefit generations to come.

As Chairperson of the Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership, Gus played a pivotal role in transforming the Faughan Valley into the thriving and valued place it is today. His vision, determination and deep appreciation for the area's natural, cultural and historical heritage inspired countless initiatives and made a lasting difference to the communities he cared so deeply about.

Gus was renowned for his wealth of knowledge of the Derry City and Strabane district, particularly his beloved Strathfoyle. He was always generous with his time, insight and encouragement, and his passion for rural communities shone through in everything he did.

His contribution to RAPID, the Faughan Valley and the wider rural community is immeasurable. He will be greatly missed by colleagues, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Everyone at RAPID extends our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Bridie, his family and the entire Hastings family circle. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this very sad time.

May he rest in peace 🪽

03/07/2026

🌿 We're delighted to share some exciting news! 🌿

RAPID is thrilled to announce that we have successfully secured funding for our Groundwork for Growth programme.
Working in partnership with Butterlope Social Farm and Gortilea Social Farm, this innovative programme will provide rural school-age children across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive through nature-based activities and occupational therapy-led strategies.

Groundwork for Growth will support children's wellbeing, resilience, confidence and development by combining the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors with specialist OT-informed approaches in a fun and engaging environment.

A huge thank you to the SEUPB for making this opportunity possible. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver this exciting programme and make a positive difference for rural children.

Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB
Gortilea Social Farm CIC
Butterlope Farm

Confirmed: €94,220 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded

Recipient: Rural Area Partnership in Ltd (RAPID Ltd) – Groundwork for Growth

Purpose: A cross community wellbeing project supporting people experiencing isolation, anxiety and barriers to participation. Through nature based therapeutic programmes, guided walks and facilitated group activities, participants build connections, improve wellbeing and engage in meaningful contact across communities.

Find out more: https://www.seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-maker-funding-programme

24/06/2026

🌿 Saving Our Rural Heritage 🌿

On Monday evening, we were delighted to attend the final event of Killaloo Accordion Band’s Echoes of the Somme Project, funded through our Saving Our Rural Heritage Project. The band is one of 33 groups to receive funding and among the first to successfully complete their project.

Throughout the initiative, they explored the stories of 17 local men who fought in the Great War. Their extensive research has been brought together in a commemorative booklet, which was officially launched on the night.

The project also celebrated the rich musical and cultural heritage of Killaloo Accordion Band as they marked their 90th anniversary. A special anniversary concert welcomed former members back to perform, bringing together generations of musicians and highlighting the band’s lasting legacy. As part of the celebrations, the band also commissioned and premiered a new musical piece, adding to their growing repertoire for future generations.

Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering this fantastic project and in preserving such an important part of local history and cultural heritage.

We look forward to sharing more inspiring projects supported through the Saving Our Rural Heritage programme over the coming months.

With thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this work and helping communities celebrate, protect, and pass on their heritage.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland

15/06/2026

📣REMINDER📣

❗️Closing Date Monday 22nd June 2026 at noon❗️

📣 Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme 2026/2027 NOW OPEN 📣

RAPID is pleased to advise that applications for the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme 2026/2027 are now open from Monday 18th May 2026.

⏰ Closing Date:
Monday 22nd June 2026 at 12 noon.

💷 Grants Available:
Micro Capital Grants between £500 and £2,500 are available to rural community-led voluntary organisations for projects tackling:
✔️ Local poverty
✔️ Social isolation
✔️ Energy efficiency measures
✔️ Environmental improvements

Projects must focus on ONE of the following themes:
🔹 Modernisation of buildings/assets
🔹 Information Communication Technology (ICT)
🔹 Health & Wellbeing
🔹 Energy Efficiency / Environmental Improvement

📌 Important Information:
• Grant aid available from 50% up to 85% of eligible project costs
• Total project costs must not exceed £5,000
• Minimum 15% match funding required as a cash contribution
• Labour or in-kind contributions will not be accepted

🖥 Applications can ONLY be submitted online via:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/rural-micro-capital-grants-scheme-rmcgs-202627

Email [email protected] for advice and support

10/06/2026

Yesterday, a number of the groups funded through the Saving Our Rural Heritage Project came together for a networking visit to Baronscourt Estate, Newtownstewart.

A huge thank you to Lord Hamilton for his warm welcome and informative tour of the estate. Lord Hamilton shared fascinating insights into the history and heritage of both the estate and the Hamilton family. He also spoke about how the estate has adapted over time, embracing new approaches to ensure its long-term sustainability, including the development of businesses operating from the estate to help support the upkeep of the house and grounds.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity for groups to meet one another, share experiences, and discuss the progress of their own heritage projects. It was a fantastic day of learning and networking.

We would also like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its support and funding of the Saving Our Rural Heritage Project, making opportunities such as this possible for local rural communities.

22/05/2026

War & Peace
Earlier this week, as part of our War and Peace project, RAPID welcomed over 200 children from 5 local schools to Brackfield Wood for a really special outdoor learning experience exploring the stories and history of the Great War. 🌿
It was fantastic to see so many young people fully engaging with the experience and enjoying the chance to learn in such a different way outdoors.
Along the woodland trail, pupils met a Soldier from the Somme, Nurse Laura Gailey (the only female featured on the Diamond War Memorial), and a traditional bagpiper, all helping to bring history to life in a way the children could really connect with.
Throughout the trail, pupils also scanned QR codes and answered interactive questions linked to the World War 1, building on the classroom sessions delivered in recent weeks.
The enthusiasm from every school was brilliant to see, with pupils fully embracing all the activities — and the feedback from schools has been excellent.

A big thank you to Richard at Oakfire for allowing us to use the facilities and helping make the event possible.

This project was delivered by RAPID, in partnership with North West Cultural Partnership, as part of the PEACEPLUS programme supported by the Special EU Programmes Body.

18/05/2026

📣 Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme 2026/2027 NOW OPEN 📣

RAPID is pleased to advise that applications for the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme 2026/2027 are now open from Monday 18th May 2026.

⏰ Closing Date:
Monday 22nd June 2026 at 12 noon.

💷 Grants Available:
Micro Capital Grants between £500 and £2,500 are available to rural community-led voluntary organisations for projects tackling:
✔️ Local poverty
✔️ Social isolation
✔️ Energy efficiency measures
✔️ Environmental improvements

Projects must focus on ONE of the following themes:
🔹 Modernisation of buildings/assets
🔹 Information Communication Technology (ICT)
🔹 Health & Wellbeing
🔹 Energy Efficiency / Environmental Improvement

📌 Important Information:
• Grant aid available from 50% up to 85% of eligible project costs
• Total project costs must not exceed £5,000
• Minimum 15% match funding required as a cash contribution
• Labour or in-kind contributions will not be accepted

🖥 Applications can ONLY be submitted online via:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/rural-micro-capital-grants-scheme-rmcgs-202627

Email [email protected] for advice and support