New Neighbourhood Renewal Communication Programme for Enniskillen

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie has announced a new initiative to improve communication between young people and mature residents within Enniskillen’s Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

Calendars and newsletters will be produced by young people, through a series of arts and crafts workshops and will be distributed to all households within the area. The information for these will be provided by older members of the community which will help stimulate communication and mutual understanding among both groups.

Speaking about her announcement the Minister Margaret Ritchie said: “Strong communities and positive social interaction are important elements of the Neighbourhood Renewal process. My Department has funded £11,419 for this innovative project to bring young people and older people from different parts of the Neighbourhood Renewal Area together to develop stronger links between them. I am pleased to be funding this innovative programme for the people of Enniskillen”

The calendars will contain information about historical local events and items of interest provided by older people from the area. While the graphics and presentation will be prepared in workshops held for young people from the area also.

The Newsletters will provide factual information about Neighbourhood Renewal and will contain other useful information for people living in the area.

Notes to editors:

1. For more information on the project and the work of the Enniskillen Neighbourhood Partnership contact Michelle Baker, Neighbourhood Renewal Co-ordinator, Townhall, Enniskillen, 028 66325050.
2. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' which was published in June 2003, sets out Government’s proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
3. Its objectives include four inter linking strategic objectives:
4. Community renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
5. Economic renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
6. 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.
7. Physical renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
8. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

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