Ritchie announces funding boost for Dungannon Youth Centre

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today announced a funding boost of nearly £30,000 for Dungannon Youth and Resource Centre.

The funding will be used to carry out a programme of refurbishment works. The works include a new roof and heating system, refurbished showers and toilets, extended kitchen area and a new reception area.

The centre supports young people throughout the local area, including many from the migrant community, by providing activities and courses to help them prepare for adulthood.

Margaret Ritchie said: "This project will provide real and significant benefits to people in the Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

"I want to target resources in a way which has maximum impact and I want to work with communities to achieve that. This organisation at the heart of the community will offer invaluable services to local young people."

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.