Rossinver Youth and Community Project Ltd.

Rossinver Youth and Community Project Ltd, is based in Strad - Connolly Rossinver Co. Leitrim. It was set up in 2008.  Rossinver is a small rural village in North Leitrim, bordering Co. Fermanagh.

For many years it has long endured the ravages of emigration, poverty, rural decline and disadvantage.  During the Northern “troubles” the social, cultural and economic fabric of the area has suffered, as a consequence of those years of isolation from neighbouring County Fermanagh, due to the sealing of the border roads. 

The impact has been particularly damaging amongst the very young and the very old.  Young people tend to look beyond Rossinver to the more populated towns and cities where economic, social and recreational needs can be more immediately met.  Older people become increasingly more isolated as the social fabric of the community unravels. 

The area has experienced a downward spiral for many years despite the efforts of the community to sustain its rural traditions.  The community is determined to reverse that trend because it is convinced that it is vitally important that people have the choice to continue living in rural areas.  Such choice should not mean that people experience comparative disadvantage or a diminished quality of life. 

The reality in Rossinver however, is that local people of all ages and social background experience the effects of social exclusion and marginalisation and many have felt compelled to move to urban areas.

It was, after taking all these things into consideration that a group of people in the area, saw the need to address this situation and got together to form, Rossinver Youth and Community Project Ltd.  

RYCP Ltd. is made up of a voluntary board of Directors and members totalling fifteen, from various walks of life, who offer their skills and talents voluntarily to different organisations in the area, eg. Women’s group, Youth, Older Persons, People with disabilities, and single people living in rural isolated areas.

The Aim is to “work together,” to regenerate the Rossinver area, by organising recreational and educational activities for the target groups.  Since the formation of the RYCP the following groups have been set up and events organised.

Foroige Youth Group has been set up. It caters to the needs of youth aged 12-17yr olds.
Personal Development Courses for women take place in the Centre.
FAS Funded Community Employment Scheme is administered by the Project.
Cross-Border Partnership called, the Rossinver/Garrison Melvin Project has been formed with the Garrison Church of Ireland Community in Co Fermanagh.

Fundraising social events have taken place, eg: Race nights, Easter Egg Hunt, Sponsored walk, Duck race, Table Quiz, and Summer Community Sports.
Country & Western Night was held in the Great Northern Hotel Bundoran in August 2010

Cross-Border recreational events have been organised, eg. Cultural night in the Gilaroo Hall Garrison, Youth Disco, and trip to the Balmoral Show in Belfast in may 2010.
Community Newsletter twice a year, Summer and Christmas.
Developments of the Sports field, Car ParK, work still in progress.

In 2011 RYCP Ltd will continue to work hard and build on what has already been achieved.