Attwood announces funding for youth project in Ballymena

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood MLA today announced a funding boost of £42,000 for a youth project in Ballymena.

The funding will go towards the BRIDGE programme (Ballymena Respects Individuals Diversity Groups and Environment), which seeks to enhance and strengthen links between local young people and the PSNI with the aim of improving confidence and relationships. The outcome of the project is to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve community inclusion in the Ballymena area. The programme has been developed by the PSNI and local community development officers.

Alex Attwood said: “This project will seek to improve social conditions for the people in the Ballymena area. It will contribute to a reduction in levels of crime and anti social behaviour and will help enhance community spirit.

“By contributing to this programme my department is demonstrating its commitment to improving the quality of life and social conditions for people living in the Ballymena area.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy “People and Places” which was published in June 2003 sets out governments proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
   The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives
   Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in the areas;
   Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy;
   Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe, and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods; and
   Social Renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
2. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.