Ritchie gives support to volunteering in Enniskillen

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced a funding boost of almost £17,000 for a volunteering project in Enniskillen.

The project will review volunteering in the local area. It will include an assessment of current skills and training needs for existing volunteers. Training will also be given to volunteers working with young people and vulnerable people within the community.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I am pleased to support this project to carry out research and promote volunteering within the Enniskillen Neighbourhood Renewal Area. Volunteers play a vital role in developing communities and I am confident that this project will be of significant benefit to both young people and older vulnerable residents in the area.”

The project will be carried out by the Volunteer Services Bureau.

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 enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.