New DVD highlights safety

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today launched “NeighbourHOODS” – a DVD educational resource aiming to eradicate the perception of fear for old people living within rural communities.

The Minister was in Belleek Co. Fermanagh and praised the work of the local Community Partnerships in their important work towards harmonious communities living together.

The Minister said “A community is not just about religious or ethnic backgrounds, and a neighbourhood is not just about bricks and mortar. It is only when communities work with each other and engage, it is only when they recognise each other’s rights and respect them that we build real and successful neighbourhoods. I sincerely hope that your efforts and experiences will be the catalyst for greater understanding and awareness in many other rural communities and neighbourhoods.”

Notes to Editors:

1. NeighbourHOODS is a Community Safety Project undertaken by Belleek and District Community Partnership’s Pebble in the Pond Project and was co-funded under the European Union’s Peace II extension. Measure 2.7 for which the Department for Social Development is accountable.
   
2. News media enquiries to DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer via pager 07669 715 440.