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Riverside and Massereene Street Residents Association

Registered

  • Charity no. 110830
  • Date registered. 03/11/2026

Public benefits

Riverside and Massereene Streets Residents Association (RAMS) exists to provide public benefit to the residents of Riverside and Massereene Street and the surrounding areas of Antrim town. Our overarching purpose is to advance community development, improve local conditions and opportunities, and support the wellbeing of residents by bringing

together residents, statutory bodies, voluntary organisations and other community organisations in partnership. Community Development We produce public benefit by advancing community development through uniting residents, local authorities, voluntary bodies and other organisations. The direct benefits resulting from this are: enhanced community cohesion, improved housing and environmental amenities, and increased educational and recreational opportunities for residents. These benefits are evidenced by resident feedback, higher participation rates in our programmes, and measurable improvements in the local environment. Our beneficiaries are all residents living in the Riverside and Massereene Street area. Poverty Relief, Health, Wellbeing and Culture We produce public benefit by delivering targeted community programmes aimed at relieving local poverty and improving residents’ health and wellbeing. The direct benefits are: better access to support and opportunities for those in need, reduced social isolation, and enhanced physical and mental health among participants. These benefits are evidenced through participant feedback, increased uptake of services, and measurable improvements in health or skills. In addition, we promote positive expressions of local culture through inclusive activities that celebrate and develop the cultural life of the community, fostering respect and positive relationships among residents and the wider community. Our beneficiaries are the residents of Riverside and Massereene Street, especially those at risk of poverty or social isolation. Environmental Protection and Conservation We produce public benefit by improving and protecting the local environment and by educating the public on the importance of conservation. The direct benefits are: a more attractive and higher-quality local environment, and increased awareness and understanding of conservation issues among the community. These benefits are evidenced by visible environmental enhancements, the number of residents participating in conservation activities, and improved public knowledge about environmental matters. Our beneficiaries are the residents of Riverside and Massereene Street and the wider public. We do this by: Monthly residents' association meetings – open meetings for residents to identify issues, priorities and solutions. These are currently running. RAMS Community Connections – a two-year community-led programme and a funding application submitted requesting funding of £6,000 National Lottery Awards for All grant. The programme will deliver regular open meetings, community workshops and social events over 24 months. Resident steering group – a group of local residents guiding the direction of the Community Connections project and ensuring it stays true to community needs. Community Action Plan – a plan created by residents for residents, setting out practical steps to improve the local area, strengthen community spirit and ensure everyone feels supported. RCRG meetings – RAMS attends meetings of the Regional Community Resilience Group with statutory agencies including DFI Roads, DFI Rivers, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council (ANBC), PSNI Neighbourhood Policing Team, MLAs and local councillors. SixMileWater Emergency Community Resilience Group – RAMS is part of this informal information-sharing network, alongside residents and representatives from Muckamore and Dunadry Residents' Associations. Mentorship and partnership development – following a meeting facilitated by the BRIC Emergency Planning and Resilience Officer, RAMS has linked with Glenravel District and Community Residents Association. RAMS intend to forge links with Rural Community Network, Woodland Trust, NICVA, Volunteer Now and Supporting Communities; Partnership with Radius/Clanmil – Radius/Clanmil has an over-55s social housing development in Riverside and offers grants and support for community cohesion.

What your organisation does

Delivering targeted community programmes aimed at relieving local poverty and improving residents' health and wellbeing, and promoting positive expressions of local culture through inclusive activities RAMS does and will do this through: RAMS Community Connections – regular open meetings, community workshops and social events designed to reduce

isolation, build friendships, develop skills and support residents facing cost-of-living pressures through free, accessible activities and a welcoming space to connect and share practical help. Annual Community Christmas Carol Event – a free, warm, intergenerational event reducing isolation during the winter months. Halloween party – previously delivered with Radius/Clanmil funding. Informal learning, volunteering and skills development through the Community Connections project. Proposed community events – subject to resources and suitable space, RAMS would like to run group walks, bake sales, charity tombolas, and a community garden or vegetable patch. Flood resilience and advocacy work; Develop a Community Resilience Plan. Improving and protecting the local environment and educating the public on the importance of conservation RAMS does and will do this through: Litter picking; Tackling the derelict property; Potholes, street lighting and built heritage – RAMS continues to raise issues relating to potholes, street lighting and the general abandonment of the conservation area and important built heritage; Potential community garden or vegetable patch; Conservation awareness and education through community meetings and information sharing; Environmental improvement through flood resilience work These purposes do not cause any harm to beneficiaries nor give rise to private benefit. The trustees of the Association have had regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s statutory guidance on public benefit requirements.

The charity’s classifications

  • The advancement of citizenship or community development
  • The advancement of environmental protection or improvement

Who the charity helps

  • Children (5-13 year olds)
  • General public
  • General public
  • Men
  • Older people
  • Physical disabilities
  • Unemployed/low income
  • Women
  • Youth (14-25 year olds)

How the charity works

  • Advice/advocacy/information
  • Community development
  • Education/training
  • Environment/sustainable development/conservation

Charitable purposes

The group is established for the public benefit for the following purposes: a) To advance community development for the benefit of all residents including children and young people in the area without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education, improve housing facilities and the environment, enhance educational and recreational facilities with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents. b) To support the residents of Riverside and Massereene Street, through continuing to deliver community-based programmes that will support the residents by relieving local poverty, promoting positive citizenship and community development, and to organise other projects surrounding health and wellbeing, and promoting positive expressions of culture. c) To promote the development of the local environment and the protection of the conservation area, and to educate the public and local community regarding conservation.

Governing document

Constitution

Other name

List of regions

  • Antrim And Newtownabbey Borough Council

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