The Causeway Coast and Glens
The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough stretches from Lough Foyle in the west to the Glens of Antrim in the east covering an area of 1,968 square kilometres. Whilst largely a rural borough, there are several established settlements including the main towns of Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballycastle and Limavady.
The tourism industry is an important part of our local economy, and our Borough is home to the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site, along with a host of other visitor attractions along the famous Causeway Coastal Route including Glenariff Forest Park, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour and Roe Valley Country Park.
The Role of Council
In Northern Ireland, local councils are responsible for a range of services which affect people in the areas where they live. This includes waste collection and disposal, recycling and waste management, local planning functions, civic amenity provision, grounds maintenance, street cleaning, cemeteries, public conveniences, food safety, health and safety, environmental protection, environmental improvement, estates management - building design and maintenance, building control-inspection and regulation of new buildings, dog control, licensing, such as entertainment licensing, enforcement byelaws such as those around litter, sports, leisure services and recreational facilities parks, open spaces and playgrounds, community centres, arts, heritage and cultural facilities and registration of births, deaths and marriages, off-street parking along with local economic development, tourism and heritage.
The Council is made up of 40 elected members, with a Mayor and Deputy Mayor selected on an annual basis.
Through a process of Community Planning, Council works with other public sector organisations to deliver services across the area including health, education, public safety, housing, our communities, the environment and the economy.
For further details about Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council click here.
Health Services
Causeway Coast and Glens is covered by 2 of the 5 health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland. The Northern Health & Social Care Trust covers Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballycastle and The Glens areas. The Western Health & Social Care Trust covers Limavady and Dungiven areas.
Emergency Departments are located at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, Antrim Area Hospital in Antrim and Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry/Londonderry. Health Services are also delivered at local community hospitals, health centres, social services, and a significant network of community services as well as provision of care in the home.
For more information about the services offered you can visit their websites at
Access to Health and Social Care Guidance booklet
Scan the QR code above or click here to download Access to Health and Social Care Guidance booklet
This booklet is available in a range of different formats and languages on request by emailing equality.unit@northerntrust.hscni.net
Education and Access to Study
The Education Authority is responsible for ensuring that efficient and effective primary and secondary education services are available to meet the needs of children and young people, and support for the provision of efficient and effective youth services. They help with all aspects of your child's journey through education from admission to pre-school, getting transport to school, changing schools, to moving through primary and post-primary. They are also here to help with newcomer issues, special educational needs and provide support whenever you or your child needs it. Click here for more information on Education Authority.
Education Authority Asylum Seeker and Refugee (ASR) Support Team provides advice, guidance and support to schools and to parents and pupils from the Asylum-seeking and Refugee community.
Access to Study Information:
Refugee Study provides an information portal for refugees and asylum seekers who want to study in the United Kingdom. It provides information about grants, scholarships, bursaries and free courses, with links to relevant funding organisations.
Refugee Education UK - information about university scolarships for Asylum Seekers.
Ecctis - information about conversion pathways for equivalency to existing qualifications.
Jobs and Benefits
There are 3 Jobs and Benefits Offices in Causeway Coast and Glens, in Coleraine, Ballymoney and Limavady, where you can get information on job vacancies. Staff will help you get details of all the support services available to you, including how to join training programmes. Follow this link for information on employment, training and careers.
Find out about current job vacancies at JobApplyNI.com
Find out about current Volunteering opportunities at Causeway Volunteer Centre.
ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages)
If English is not your first language and you want to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, there are accredited courses and conversational classes at different levels available for ESOL learners in Northern Ireland. ESOL courses focus on language skills but also include cultural orientation, employability and citizenship skills. ESOL classes are provided at Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland as well as community and private school settings. You can find out more at ESOL NI.
Northern Regional College (Coleraine & Ballymoney)
North West Regional College (Limavady)
Public transport
Translink operate bus, coach and train services connecting Northern Ireland. Coach services are operated by Goldline. Local bus services and town services are operated by Ulsterbus:
Click here for more information about public transport including timetables and route planner.
Things to See and Do
There are activities for all ages in Causeway Coast and Glens. You’ll find information about leisure centres childrens’ play areas and other recreational activities by clicking here.
There’s lots more information about coastal walks, hiking trails, forest parks, beaches and other attractions to be found by clicking here.
Libraries
There are libraries in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Cushendall, Dungiven, Garvagh, Kilrea, Limavady, Portrush and Portstewart where you can access free wifi, books, resources and activities as well as lots of online resources at no charge
Post Offices
You will find Post Offices in most settlements, where you can access a range of postal and money transfer services. Click here for a list of Post Office locations.
Advice Centres
Advice Centres can provide independent confidential advice on a range of issues including benefits, money and debt, housing, employment, immigration etc. There are centres in Coleraine and Dungiven and outreach appointments can be arranged in Limavady, Ballymoney, and Ballycastle.
Community Advice Causeway
Tel: 028 7034 4817
For full details of Advice Centres including opening times, please click here.
Asylum and Immigration
The Right to Remain Toolkit A step-by-step guide to the UK asylum and immigration system.
Support Organisations
Welcome Churches Network A network of churches around the UK who are committed to supporting refugees. Find a church map is available on the weblink.
Find Your Welcome A detailed guide on what services are available and how to access settlement support including information on education, employment, housing, health, finances etc
Migrant Help National charity that provides help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed during the asylum journey.
Bryson Care Asylum Support Service provides asylum seekers with information and support for claiming asylum in Northern Ireland.
Law Centre NI Free and independent legal advice and assistance in the areas of Health and Social Care; Social Security; Employment; and Immigration.
The Red Cross offers direct support for asylum seekers and refugees through emergency help, one-to-one support and casework, special services for children and families, and family reunions.
Building Communities Resource Centre (BCRC) Ethnic Communities Support project assists people from Ethnic communities throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Local Wellbeing Support Organisations There are a range of organisations providing family support services, mental health and well-being support and support for older people and anyone who is vulnerable in Causeway Coast and Glens.
Support with food and fuel
There are foodbanks in Coleraine, Limavady, Ballymoney and Ballycastle. If you are struggling to be able to afford food, churches and health professionals can provide you with a foodbank voucher that will provide balanced and nutritional meals for 3 days. You can also contact the foodbank directly. There are also two social supermarkets where you can access food at a very reduced rate for a period of 12 weeks if you sign up to participate in a money management and advice programme. If you need help with other emergency essentials like toiletries and hygiene products, nappies and other baby items most of the local foodbanks will be able to provide you with assistance. Advice Centres will be able to direct you to current support for fuel.
Community activities
Causeway Coast and Glens has a vast range of community groups offering activities and support in each of the towns and villages from parent and toddler groups, luncheon clubs for older people, youth clubs, to leisure activities such as arts and crafts classes, sewing clubs, men’s sheds, community choirs, yoga and many more. Click here to find details of community organisations in your area.