National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £10,000 to £250,000
When it was constructed in the 1950s, Rathcoole was the largest housing estate in Europe. Now, a youth-focused community organisation is leading a two-year project to gather and curate stories, photographs and artefacts from local residents.
Young people are receiving training that will enable them to interview local residents and craft compelling content for various digital platforms, including podcasts, an app and a website.
As well as creating content, they will co-design the app and shape a travelling exhibition of pop-up banners and portable collections that celebrates Rathcoole’s heritage.
The Snap App Cast Project also sees local residents learn how to share Rathcoole’s stories by guiding visitors through the exhibition as it tours different venues in the area.
Intergenerational Sharing
Two new posts of Podcast Coordinator and App, Media and Event Coordinator have been recruited to support this activity and other outreach, such as a summer scheme and luncheon clubs, that are bringing together young people and older generations.
Adam Haggan, App, Media and Event Coordinator, said: “Rathcoole’s stories deserve to be heard, not just remembered. This project is about honouring the voices of every generation, weaving together memories, stories, photographs and local pride into something living and accessible. By training young people to capture and share these histories, we’re not just preserving the past – we’re building a bridge between communities, generations and futures.”
