Ritchie announces funding boost for Dungannon ‘Super Adults’

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today announced a funding boost of over £5,000 for the Dungannon ‘Super Adults’ group.

The funding will be used by the group to help support the over 50’s throughout the local area by providing a programme of social activities including:

• courses in card making and scrap booking;
• courses in flower arranging; and
• networking trips to socialise, share ideas and best practice with other groups.

A computer and printer will also be purchased to allow the Super Adults to network with other similar organisations throughout Northern Ireland.

Margaret Ritchie said: "This project will provide real and significant benefits to older people in the Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Area. It will provide a safe environment for the over 50’s to socialise and prevent residents becoming isolated in their homes.

“By contributing to this project my department is demonstrating its commitment to improving the quality of life and social conditions for older people living in the Dungannon area.”

The project will be managed by Supporting Communities NI.

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 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.