Costa Costa

31/05/2026

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 £𝟭.𝟮𝟳𝗠 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀!

Communities, voluntary organisations, sports clubs and cultural groups across are set to benefit from a major investment package of more than £1.27M through the Council’s 2026/27 Grant Aid Programme.

The funding will support 885 successful applications from across the district, helping organisations deliver projects and services that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, enhance local facilities, celebrate culture and heritage, and encourage participation in sport and community life.

Welcoming the investment, Chair of the Council, Cllr Frances Burton said:
“Our community and voluntary sector is at the heart of Mid Ulster. These organisations provide essential services, create opportunities for people of all ages, strengthen community connections and help make our district a vibrant and inclusive place to live.

“Through this significant investment, Council is proud to support the outstanding work being carried out every day by local groups and volunteers across our towns, villages and rural communities."

Reda the full article at: https://www.midulstercouncil.org/news/news-archive/news-items-2026/may-2026/council-invests-more-than-%C2%A31-27m-in-community-init and find out more about the Council’s community funding programmes at: www.midulstercouncil.org/grants

28/05/2026

Diploma in Community Development Practice – 2026 - 2027

This is a one-year (part time) course accredited by the University of Galway for the year 2026 – 2027.
The Diploma in Community Development Practice has been designed to enable Community Activists (volunteers and paid staff in the community / voluntary sector) to develop the knowledge, understanding and essential practical skills and experience required to provide leadership within this field.

One off cost of £150 per person. If you are unwaged then we can talk to you about how we can support you to meet this payment.

Places are limited to 25 students.
Location: Coleraine
Participants are particularly welcome from rural communities in the Coleraine/Causeway Coast and Glens area.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 18th August 2026 @ 12 noon. Please apply through the form here: https://forms.gle/gW1cSy7v5e2mEtya7

If you would like an application form please email [email protected] for further information.

28/05/2026

COSTA 2026 AGM - Buffet Supper - Guest Speaker from MUD Council - Book your places now: Tel: 028 855 56880 or email: [email protected] EVERYONE WELCOME! Our Annual Report and AGM Papers can be accessed / downloaded at: http://www.costaruralsupportnetwork.org/

28/05/2026

We would like to congratulate our Board Member Trevor Lockhart on his very well-deserved Award for Mid Ulster Community Champion 2026.

20/05/2026

18/05/2026

DAERA Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme 2026/2027 – NOW OPEN!
For the latest updates and to access the DAERA RMC Grant Scheme 2026/2027 information & APPLICATION LINK go to: http://www.costaruralsupportnetwork.org/funding-rural-micro-capital-grant-programnme.html
This Scheme is funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme.
To apply for the scheme you must register and always sign-in using the following DAERA link: https://digitalapps2.daera-ni.gov.uk/RMCGS/StartPage
After registration / logging-in you will be able to complete and submit your application and have access to the Grant Guidance Notes.
Micro Capital grants of between £500 and £2,500 are available to rural community-led, voluntary organisations for projects tackling issues of local poverty and / or social isolation.
The total project cost must not exceed £5,000.
Projects must clearly address an issue of rural poverty and / or social isolation and applicants must provide a minimum of 15% match funding.
The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme has been designed to:
• Help rural community-led, voluntary groups to address local issues of access poverty, financial poverty and social isolation; and
• Improve the lives of rural communities, and in particular the wellbeing of isolated individuals.
Projects must focus on one of the following 4 themes:
• Modernisation (of premises / assets)
• Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Health and Well-being
• Energy Efficiency / Environmental Improvement.
Applications CLOSE: Monday 22 June 2026 at 12noon.
In Mid Ulster District Council Area Contact: COSTA for information or assistance. Tel: 028 855 56880 or email: [email protected]
To assist groups in making successful applications and to update groups on the NEW CHANGES to the Grant attendance at a CWSAN/COSTA Pre-Application Information Workshop below is strongly recommended:
Workshop 1 – 19 May 2026, 10:00am Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85464760035
Workshop 2 – 19 May 2026, 7:00pm Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85272251555
Workshop 3 – 21 May 2026, 7:00pm Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81801056751
Workshop 4 – 26 May 2026, 10:00am Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88538262993

07/05/2026

Let's Talk Rural!
Share your views on NI's new draft rural policy, Rural NI: Our New Approach 2026-2041.

Public consultation event taking place Tuesday 12 May - Cookstown, Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre

You can register for these and other events at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/rural-ni-our-new-approach


Rural Action Rural Community Network Northern Ireland Rural Women's Network Rural Support CDM Community Transport Cwsan MidUlster Mid Ulster District Council Ulster Farmers' Union Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster

07/05/2026

📈DAERA has today published ‘Key Rural Issues 2025’ which highlights key urban/rural differences and disparities across a range of domains

🔗Find out more at: https://daera-ni.gov.uk/news/key-rural-issues-2025-publication

NISRA Northern Ireland Executive Rural Support Department for Infrastructure Department for the Economy NI Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster Ulster Farmers' Union Discover CAFRE

07/05/2026

📢 €40 million has been made available for cross-community and cross-border initiatives through the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme.

⏰ Applications for the first general funding round are open until 30 June 2026.

Grants of up to €100,000 per project are available to support people‑to‑people projects that strengthen cross‑community and cross‑border collaboration.

More 👉 https://www.seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-maker-funding-programme

01/05/2026

// Welding Academy //

If you’re interested in a career as a welder, 12 training opportunities are currently available at South West College. If you successfully finish the academy, you will gain industry recognised welding qualifications and be considered for a potential job role with one of the supporting companies.

Training dates

01/06/2026 - 10/07/2026

The Welding Academy is a six-week intensive training course to prepare you for a job role in the engineering and manufacturing sector under the Assured Skills Programme.

Those chosen for the Academy will study ETCAL Level 2 Performing Engineering Operation and Certified Abrasive Wheels Training. If you successfully finish the course, you will be guaranteed a job interview with a supporting company.

Those taking part in the Academy will receive a £185 weekly training allowance as well as help with travel and childcare costs.

Who can apply

Applicants must:

☑️ be at least 18-years-old by Monday 1st June 2026
☑️ be eligible to work in the UK at the time of application

Apply online at: https://nidirect.pulse.ly/8urwbrtzdf

Applications must be received by 12.00 noon (UK time) on Friday 8th May 2026.

Interview and training dates

SWC will invite eligible applicants to attend an Information session and interview that will take place week beginning Monday 18th May 2026 at the SWC Welding Facility, Kilcronagh Industrial Estate, Cookstown.

Successful applicants will attend intensive training at SWC's dedicated training venue at Cookstown from Monday 1st June 2026 to Friday 10th July 2026.

Training times are from 8.15 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8.15 am to 1.30 pm on Friday's.

Applicants must be available for the whole of the training period.

Company information

The supporting companies taking part in the Academy are:

Portafill International Ltd
Qmac Silos Ltd
SFM Engineering
Specdrum Ltd
Stemfab ltd
TBC Conversions
Nugent Trailers
Creagh Concrete Products Ltd
NHL Cylinders