Carnegie UK Trust and Rural Community Network to launch rural vision documents at Stormont tomorrow.

A blueprint for sustainable rural communities across Northern Ireland is to be presented to the main political parties, rural stakeholders and the general public at an event in Stormont tomorrow. The two documents being launched by Carnegie UK Trust and Rural Community Network provide a vision for how people can plan for - and deliver- vibrant rural communities across Northern Ireland.

The Carnegie UK Trust's 'Manifesto for Rural Communities - Inspiring Community Innovation' represents the findings of a four year Rural Action Research Programme involving 44 rural organisations and communities supported by Carnegie UK Trust and the Big Lottery Fund.

Rural Community Network's Rural Manifesto, defines both the challenges being faced by rural communities across Northern Ireland and some of the potential solutions.

The launch of these two important and complementary documents sets a clear policy agenda for meeting the needs of rural communities across both the UK and within Northern Ireland prior to and beyond the forthcoming general election.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the two documents, Kate Braithwaite, Director of Carnegie UK Trust's Rural Programme, said the manifestos have the potential to inspire groups and individuals- and some of the tools to make change happen.

"Strong communities are places where the talents and skills of local residents are identified, valued and ample opportunities are provided for all to develop new skills and needed to thrive."

"As funding for local services faces a strong financial squeeze, communities need to understand how to organise their people and their ideas- planning for a future that gets the best out of the human, social, financial, built and natural resources that every community has to offer. A healthly rural economy with opportunities for people of all ages and sustainable workplaces and services will be at the heart of Northern Ireland weathering the recession and coming out of it an even better place to live and work."

Michael Hughes, RCN Chief Executive Officer believes that:

"The importance of two manifesto launches at a singular event dedicated to the sustainability of rural communities cannot and should not be underestimated. Having made a contribution to its development Rural Community Network is delighted to have the prestigious Carnegie UK Trust formally launch its manifesto in Northern Ireland at the seat of the devolved Assembly. Carnegie's manifesto offers challenges, hopes and creativity to rural communities in an ever changing social. economic, environmental and cultural context."

Michael added:

"RCN hopes that the Carnegie Manifesto in conjunction with our own Rural Manifesto can impress on our elected representatives, statutory agencies and policy makers alike both the relevance and the importance of sustainable rural communities to their work and society as a whole."