McCausland announces funding to improve access to Coalisland Training

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland today announced funding of £31,000 to improve disabled access to Coalisland Training Services.
~ Wednesday, 22 June 2011

The funding will allow the installation of a platform lift which will enable greater access to the training facilities offered at the premises.

Minister McCausland said: “These are much needed improvements to this vital community facility. Some of the people who need this resource the most, particularly those with disabilities and older people, can now benefit fully from the range of services that Coalisland Training Services offer.

“Being able to participate in programmes from accredited computer based training courses to healthy living seminars will develop the skills of local residents and enable social interaction for some who could so easily become isolated. I have no doubt that having access to such a range of services under one roof will improve the quality of life for people in the Coalisland Neighbourhood Renewal area.”

The programme was developed in consultation with Coalisland Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, who identified a need for this service in their action plan for the area. Since the plan’s conception in September 2007, over £1.3 million has been committed to the Coalisland area from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

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.