--- PROGRAMME NOW CLOSED ---
Maximising Access to Services, Grants & Benefits in Rural Areas
If you have any queries or to follow-up on any Visits already completed please contact COSTA Tel: 028 855 56880 or Email: [email protected]
The MARA Project (Maximising Access in Rural Areas to Services, Grants & Benefits) was aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people living in rural areas in Northern Ireland.
It was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) and delivered by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
The aim of MARA was to increase awareness of, and help households and individuals in rural areas to access local services, grants and benefits. All participating households received a free ‘Keep Warm’ winter pack, comprehensive directory of services and information pack.
Programme Evaluation
MARA recipient, Edward from Fivemiletown said, “Best thing I ever did, I got everything I needed, including safety equipment, rails to help me get out and into my home easier, and more money that I didn’t know I was entitled to. Thank you so much for calling with me.”
MARA recipient, Jean from Loughgall stated, “I was delighted to get an extra smoke alarm installed through the Home Safety Check after a referral from the MARA Project, it really puts my mind at ease.”
John from Richhill added, “Getting the loft insulation from the Warm Homes Scheme through the MARA project has been great, the house is so much warmer now, we definitely use less oil.”
The following groups were eligible:
- Person living in a rural area
- Farmers / Farm Family / Fishermen
- Older people
- Carers
- Lone / Single Parents
- Ethnic Minorities
- Disability
Participants often gained from a referral to:
- Benefit Entitlement Check
- Rural Community Transport
- Smart Pass
- Energy Savings Schemes (Warm Homes)
- Disabled Facilities Grant
- Home Safety Check
- Support Services
The Programme was open to people living in one of these rural areas:
The following rural areas within the Dungannon & South Tyrone area:
Washingbay, Altmore, Ballygawley, Clogher, Aughnacloy, Caledon, Fivemiletown, Augher, Donaghmore, Killyman, Castlecaulfield, Benburb and Moy.
The following rural areas within the Armagh area:
Keady, Carrigatuke, Markethill, Poyntz Pass, Derrynoose, Ballymartrim, Killylea, Killeen, Charlemont, Loughgall, Tandragee, Milford, Laurelvale, Rich Hill, Hamiltonsbawn and Hockley.
COSTA worked in Partnership with the TADA Rural Support Network in the Armagh area to deliver MARA.
