Annual Report 2024-25
Randalstown Ulster Scots Cultural Society is recognised as an innovative volunteer led community organisation that provides a welcoming environment and programme for all of the local community. On average 10 programmes per week take place including free musical tuition classes on a variety of instruments, physical activity, highland dance and seniors club to name but a few. Many additional activities take place throughout the year including building the capacity of the local community, raising money for local worthwhile charities and taking a community approach to reducing social isolation.
We are thrilled that our volunteers’ achievements have been recognised by receiving the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. Randalstown Ulster Scots Cultural Society provides almost 13,000 hours in volunteering per year. None of the activities would be possible without our volunteers. Looking forward to this year we will be hosting events to celebrate VE Day as well as host our annual children’s summer schemes and community festivals.
A flavour of some of the activities we have provided during the past year include the following1 x Burns Night Dinner
24 x Senior Citizens Events/Programmes
18 x Men’s Tea, Talk and Walk Sessions
18 x Womens Wellness Sessions
2 x Youth Ulster Scots Summer Schools
1 x Cultural Festival
23 x Highland Dance Classes
1 x Highland Dance Exams
4 x breakfast mornings
30 x exercise classes 4 x concert events
We provide low or no cost events which meet the needs of the 30.26% economically inactive within the area. 1 in 5 in the area have a prescription for a mood or anxiety disorder. Therefore our focus on mental health is paramount to addressing this.
Randalstown Ulster Scots Cultural Society brings added value to Community Development work in the area by -engaging with ethnic minorities and other minority communities to engage with activities in the community hub
-providing programmes to those with disabilities a safe and accessible environment
Through participation to underpin good community development and ensure maximum community impact, the participants have experienced
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A reduction in social isolation and bring the local community together
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Increased awareness of current community issues
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Increased capacity through education and awareness raising
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Good relations through an open and accessible event to all
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Networking and partnership with community sector and public sector organisations
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Strengthened community participation through interactive activities
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Inter-generational working
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Be able to openly address health and wellbeing taboo subjects to include suicide and mental health