Minister Ritchie gives support to women in Omagh

Margaret Ritchie the Social Development Minister has announced £47,475 funding for women with alcohol dependency problems in Omagh.

The initiative from the DSD Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund will provide a support worker for a two year pilot programme. It has been developed in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust to provide assistance to people who, through no fault of their own, have developed difficult lifestyles as a result of long term alcohol dependence.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I am delighted to support this project for people who have been experiencing difficulties associated with long term alcohol abuse. The programme will contribute to the improved health and well being of the people who participate and will improve the social conditions for others such as their families and neighbours. By contributing to this project my department is demonstrating its commitment to improving the quality of life and social conditions for people living in the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area.”

The project will be managed by staff in the Addiction Unit of the Western Health and Social Care Trust. It is anticipated that the programme will commence with approximately six people taking part and will be developed to eventually include around 15 people. For information contact Anne Marie Hughes Community Addictions Manager Tel. 028 8283 5805.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close 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 their areas.
• Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
• 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.
• Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078/07818 035258. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.