McCausland continues support to Women in Omagh

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland today announced a funding boost of over £98,000 for an ‘After School and Homework’ programme in Strathroy, Omagh.
~ Monday, 20 June 2011

The initiative from the DSD Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, which has been developed in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, has been piloted for the past two years. This funding will pay for a support worker for a further three years to provide continued assistance to people who, through no fault of their own, have developed difficult lifestyles as a result of long term alcohol dependence.

Minister McCausland said: “This is an excellent 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.”

Minister McCausland added “Seven women are already participating in the programme, and it is anticipated that this valuable service will be taken up by a total of at least 15 women.”

The project will be managed by staff in the Addiction Unit of the Western Health and Social Care Trust. The project will help to raise awareness within the wider community of the issues surrounding alcohol abuse.

The total amount of money allocated by DSD to projects in Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area is £2,533,798.00

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.
2. 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.
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.