This partnership project between the National Trust and Supporting Communities took place between October 2019 to February 2022 in the village of Cushendun.

This project was about building better relationships between the residents of Cushendun and the village’s principal landlord, the National Trust. Supporting Communities acted as an independent go-between to help kick start the process of healing the fractured relationships in the area.

Our Community Development Officer, Christine McNeill, first conducted a baseline survey to understand better the issues involved. She worked closely with all community and stakeholder groups to build rapport leading to opportunities for the National Trust to be involved.

Despite the interruptions caused by Covid, we met our aims, including forming key partnerships with stakeholders, relaunching a Village Forum, and establishing Village Walkabout. We held various occasions offering everyone a chance to get involved, including coffee mornings, events with the local primary school, and seasonal activities, like the Christmas Lights switch on.

The National Trust now has a fantastic staff team based at Cushendun. We have worked together to ensure that the community is aware of their roles and responsibilities within the Village. We have proactively engaged with community groups and assisted them in identifying their key priorities, thus making all the difference to community relations.

Our Results

• Established NT Tenant’s Group

• Relaunch and support of the Village Forum, which held regular bi-monthly meetings throughout

• 200 calls and Zooms with stakeholders over Covid

• Online training for groups in digital and community development skills

• £6000 secured for groups through funding support

• Established a ‘Village Walkabout'

• New ideas for the use of Glenmona House

Read the Full Project Report