County Down Rural Community Network
Helping Communities Help ThemselvesWelcome to CDRCN. The network is a voluntary umbrella body set up and managed by community groups in County Down. We are committed to an inclusive future where all citizens actively participate in local life, helping each other to create a healthy, peaceful, vibrant & sustainable society.
News & Events
Training, Events, Funding and more
Breathing for Health and Wellbeing
Zoom sessions - Breathing for Health and Wellbeing Do you struggle with sleep, stress, anxiety? Do you want to improve your overall energy? Join in our free 4 week programme focusing on the breath and breathing techniques, starting 7.15pm on Wednesday 19th January...
December 2021 Network Notes
Wishing all our community groups, friends and volunteers a very Happy Christmas, and best wishes for a healthy and peaceful New Year. Please stay safe over the festive season, look after yourselves and each other, and we look forward to continuing our work with you...
Autumn Network Notes 2021
Read our latest Network Notes! Featuring news about our fantastic new wellbeing hub on Newcastle Promenade, as well as information about courses, funding, community events and supports that are designed to help YOU and people in our LOCAL COMMUNITY. Click to read...
CDRCN AGM and annual report 2021
CDRCN was delighted to host its 26th AGM on Wednesday 13th October 2021, via Zoom video conferencing. It was a pleasure to welcome Cllr Cathy Mason, Chair of Newry, Mourne & Down Council, who gave the opening remarks and spoke about the positive impact the Network...
Rural Community Development
Building & maintaining community infrastructure and developing community capacity
Rural Community Development
We provide a comprehensive community development service to member groups helping to improve their quality of life.
Health Development
Local communities benefit from our dedicated Community Health Development Teams across Down District and the Ards Peninsula.
Neighbourhood Renewal
We deliver a range of targeted health and wellbeing and community initiatives to hard to reach groups within Downpatrick NR area.
Social Prescribing
A community approach to health and wellbeing
What is Social Prescribing?
- The provision of non-medical services in the voluntary and community sector
- The creation and maintenance of referral processes and pathways that enable GPs and other health practitioners to make referrals into such services for individual patients
- Social prescribing takes a community approach to health and wellbeing rather than looking for a pill to cure all ills.
What is SPRING?
“SPRING” social prescribing helps people 18+ to address social, emotional and practical needs by connecting them to sources of support within their community to improve their own health and wellbeing.
SPRING is a brand new National Lottery funded Social Prescribing project organised by the Healthy Living Centre Alliance (HLCA) & Scottish Communities for Health and Wellbeing. It has been funded for 3 years initially with extension to 5 depending on outcomes.
Ballymote Centre
For community and business
CDRCN has managed the Ballymote Centre for over 18 years under a management agreement with the Ballymote Board of Directors. Ballymote Community Project Ltd (BCPL) is one of the most successful social economy projects in Northern Ireland.
Contact CDRCN
Main Office
Ballymote Centre
40 Killough Road
Downpatrick
BT30 6PY
T: 028 4461 2311
Ards Office
Ards Network Centre
43-45 Frances Street
Newtownards
BT23 7DX
T: 028 9182 8884
South Down Office
Altnaveigh House
51 Downshire Road
Newry
BT34 1EE
T: 028 4461 2311
South Armagh Office
Crossmaglen Community Centre
Cardinal O’fiaich Square
Crossmaglen
BT35 9AA
T: 028 4461 2311
CDRCN is funded by