Ritchie welcomes executive support for partnership with voluntary and community sector

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the Executive's endorsement today for a cross-governmental Strategy for partnership with the voluntary and community sector.

Called 'Partners for Change' the Strategy sets out how Government works with voluntary and community organisations to deliver services to those most in need in society.  

The Minister, whose responsibilities include lead policy responsibility for the Voluntary and Community Sector, explained: "Partners for Change provides the only comprehensive picture of how Government engages with the voluntary and community Sector, both in delivering services and developing policies.  

"The skills, knowledge and independent voice of the Sector are vital to complement Government services and policy-making.  This leads to direct support for those most in need and helps us build stronger, more inclusive communities across the North."

Examples of partnership working include:

·£60 million provided over three years under Neighbourhood Renewal.  This strategy aims to improve the quality of life in deprived areas in the North, as part of a wider approach to reinvigorating towns and cities

·Around £120 million per year spent by DSD to help Housing Associations provide housing for people with special needs, such as older people, plus £60 million from the Housing Executive under the Supporting People programme to enable individuals to live independently at home.

·The Department of the Environment's Environmental Heritage Service funds Tidy NI, the organisation set up to run anti-litter campaigns.

·The Department for Regional Development is working with Shopmobility NI to introduce new services in the 27 towns where Door-to-Door transport services are to be introduced to support people with disabilities.

Ms Ritchie continued: "The Voluntary and Community Sector has played an important role during difficult times. I am confident that the partnership between Government and the Sector will continue to develop and that by working together, we can bring about real improvements for all of our people, particularly those most disadvantaged in our communities."

Both Government and the Sector can use this document to examine more closely the nature of relationships between the various departments and the Sector.  Furthermore, the Sector should be able to use this document as a useful guide to departmental policies.  

The report was drawn up in consultation with representatives of the voluntary and community Sector.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Partners for Change covers the period up to 2008.  It was developed in response to a commitment given in the Compact policy document to develop a supporting strategy to implement the values and principles in the Compact in to practice.  
2. Copies of Partners for Change are available at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/partners-for-change-2006-08.doc or from DSD's Voluntary and Community Unit (telephone: 028 9082 9441, email: pfc@dsdni.gov.uk).
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.