County Down Rural Community Network
Helping Communities Help Themselves
About CDRCN
County Down Rural Community Network is an umbrella body representing and working with over 400 community-based groups across much of Ards, North Down, Down and South Armagh.
Our Services
County Down Rural Community Network works to address rural poverty and disadvantage, tackle health inequalities, build positive relationships and local capacity, and promote rural regeneration, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Community Development Support
County Down Rural Community Network works with local people at grassroots level in their own communities.
CDRCN offers support through information, capacity building and practical assistance to equip individuals and groups of people with the tools they need to take collective action, empowering them to make positive change within their communities.
Community
Health & Wellbeing
County Down Rural Community Network promotes community health development across the Ards Peninsula and the legacy Down District Council area through a range of programmes and targeted supports.
CDRCN works to create the conditions for individuals and communities to take control of their own lives, addressing health inequalities and helping people to improve their health and wellbeing.
Activities
& Training
Calendar
County Down Rural Community Network provides training, advice, guidance and practical support to communities and member groups.
Our Impact
2024 – 2025
- £400K Micro Grants to 300 small rural groups
- 120 agencies working in partnership
- £900k of grant aid secured for 55 voluntary organisations
- 406 members of voluntary organisations directly supported
- 27 training courses, 532 participants
- 60 events, 5500 attendees
Become a Member of CDRCN
Membership of County Down Rural Community Network is FREE and open to all community-based organisations in the Council areas of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Latest News
🎄🎁 CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR – COME ALONG & SUPPORT LOCAL! 🎁🎄
County Down Rural Community Network is delighted to help spread the word about the Pepper Johns Ladies Group Christmas Craft Fair! ❤️💚
📅 Saturday 28th November
⏰ 10am – 1pm
📍 Down Parish Church Hall, Downpatrick
Come along for a lovely morning of festive cheer, community spirit and Christmas shopping! 🎅✨
There'll be something for everyone, including beautiful handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, homemade jams, chutneys and traybakes, floral arrangements, crochet, knitwear and wonderful woodwork created by the Pepper Johns men's shed 🎄🎁
☕ Enjoy a cuppa and some tasty treats, and don't forget to try your luck at the tombola and raffle!
❤️ All proceeds will support Pepper Johns Community Centre, a fantastic local community hub providing a welcoming space for groups, activities and vital wellbeing support.
🌟 Shop local, support your community and help make a difference this Christmas!
Please share and help spread the word! 💚
#CDRCN #PepperJohns #ChristmasCraftFair #SupportLocal #CommunitySpirit #Downpatrick ...
Greater Newcastle Area Suicide Prevention Group Festival of Life 2026 Highlights! ...
Arts Council of Northern Ireland - Digital Evolution Awards, see below for more information.
Also check out their website at artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/organisations-digital-evolution-awardsWe are welcoming applications to our #NationalLottery Organisations Digital Evolution Awards.
The programme aims to support organisations creating digital arts projects or creating opportunities for NI audiences to experience digital art.
As one of the Arts Council’s core National Lottery funding programmes, it has awarded £237,000 to support 24 digital arts projects across the region to date.
📅 Application deadline: 12 noon, 26 November 2026.
Visit our website for more information and to apply. ...