Being a member of East Down Rural Community Network entitles you to the following:

1. Research, advice and information on issues affecting rural communities
2. One stop source of contacts with statutory, community and voluntary sector and private sector
3. Direct help organising press launches, conferences, training, events and meetings
4. Arrange training tailored to group needs
5. Office services - FREE or cost price to member groups (photocopying, fax, word processing, e-mail, scanning, report writing and binding)
6. Loan or hire of PA systems, data projector, display boards etc for member groups
7. Internet access
8. Regular circulars to members ("Network Notes in Down and Ards Update in Rural Ards) having first sifted and summarised the majority of relevant information etc. Provides up-to-date information on funding and relevant issues affecting groups
9. Help/advice with form filling, grant applications etc.
10. Allow member groups to play a part in the "consultation" exercises currently going on. Groups can speak with a louder voice alongside over 80 similar groups in Down & Ards
11. Give groups the opportunity to see best practice and generate new ideas through familiarisation trips and networking events
12. Regular network events on a range of themes and issues e.g members events, community workers forum, senior citizens forum
13. Community representation on a range of partnerships and organisations e.g Ards and Down Strategy Partnerships, Mourne Heritage Trust, Community Safety Partnerships etc.