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McCausland highlights importance of supporting young homeless people

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has highlighted the importance of supporting young homeless people to enable them to regain independence.
~ Wednesday, 29 June 2011

The Minister was speaking at the official opening of a new supported housing scheme for young homeless people at Mount Street Mews, Coleraine.

The scheme provides 16 self contained apartments and includes access to tailored programmes designed to help young homeless people achieve greater long term independence.

The accommodation is provided by Triangle Housing Association and Simon Community NI will provide day-to-day management of the facility. The Department for Social Development is providing over £100,000 through its Supporting People Programme for the provision of support services.

Opening the scheme, Minister McCausland said: “Not having a home, for whatever reason, is a difficult situation for anyone to be in and can be particularly difficult for young people to cope with. This new development and the extensive support services will provide the necessary help for young people to get back on their feet.

“My focus is on the most vulnerable members of our society and I want to do all I can to ensure that they have the same opportunities as the rest of the community. This latest addition to the supported housing sector is a practical and tangible example of how this may be achieved.

“I hope these 16 apartments will be a significant contribution to the provision of appropriate temporary accommodation and essential support services for homeless young people in this area.”

Notes to editors:

  1. Triangle Housing Association is one of 34 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development. It manages some 4,500 homes throughout Northern Ireland.
  2. Simon Community NI offers a range of services, outreach training, education and support services to homeless people throughout NI.
  3. Media enquires to DSD Communications Team on 028 9082 9079. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
  4. View photos of the event on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/niexecutive/sets/72157627076562436/with/5886721391/