About Us

Rasharkin Women's Group (RWG) was set up in May 1999. From the outset the group recognised a need among the women of the area. The rural nature of the area compounds the isolation felt by some women. The Group's mission statement

"Promoting the education and social inclusion of all women"

is elaborated further in its objectives which include:

" to relieve isolation and poverty, to advance education and to promote health and mutual support among women in Rasharkin"

In 2001 we acquired two houses from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in Rasharkin Village, which we converted into our community house. This provides a base for all our activities and classes and the After Schools Club. A group of women involved in Rasharkin Community Association came together in December 1998 to discuss with the Causeway Institute the possibility of holding classes in the Rasharkin area. By Februrary 1999 the women had undertaken craft and computer classes and in March began a WEA 'Aspects of Self-Awareness' programme.

The computer, craft and awareness courses were such a success that the group realised the enormous hunger and necessity for Community Education. Other classes such as Aromatherapy and Reflexology and Soft Furnishings were added to the list. Since March 1999 Rasharkin Women's Group have been organising a variety of classes. To finance our classes we have applied for and received grants from the Rural Community Network and Coleraine Voluntary Service. We have also held self-fundraising activities and of course it goes without saying that all donations from anywhere and in any currency are gratefully accepted.

Rasharkin is located within the electoral wards of Killoquin Upper and Killoquin Lower.
Rasharkin is situated in the Borough of Ballymoney,County Antrim, on the B62 road, which leads Southeast to Ballymena, and North to Ballymoney.

Rasharkin has a population of 3544, most of which are in the outlying area. Rasarkin village has two schools, four denominational churches, a Health centre, Nursing Homes, Pharmacy, four convenience shops/mini supermarkets, three public houses, hairdressers, beauty salon, hot-food takeaway and a Community Centre which comprises Community Association, Community Youth Club, Cross Community Playgroup and Mothers & Toddlers.

There is little documented history relating to the development of Rasharkin although the area is traditionally associated with St Olcan, the first bishop of the Celtic Church under St Patrick, who is believed to have been born there.