£280,000 boost for Tullymore Community Centre

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today officially opened the refurbished Tullymore Community Centre in Andersonstown.

The refurbished centre will provide a range of services to young and old in the Andersonstown area, providing real opportunity for skills development in a safe, purpose-built environment.

Referring to the difficulties faced by young people growing up today and the importance of positive influences in their lives, Alex Attwood said: “This excellent facility will help promote positive alternatives for the young people of this area. It will contribute to the reduction of anti-social activities and help alleviate crime making the area safer for all residents.

“The Upper Andersonstown Community Forum delivers many services such as: child care, after schools activities, skills development through training and social activities for all stages of life. The effort that has gone into the delivery of these services to ensure active participation has driven the development of this facility and we can clearly see how this refurbishment will benefit everyone.

“Supporting communities through projects like this will ensure we help promote the values of self-reliance and social inclusion for young people, vulnerable people and indeed all people in our most disadvantaged areas.”

The investment in the centre is through the Department for Social Development’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

Notes to editors:

1. The Upper Andersonstown Community Forum was established in 1995 and is based in the Tullymore Community Centre, 37a Tullymore Gardens, Belfast.
2. In February 2009 the Department for Social Development provided Neighbourhood Renewal funding of £279,809 towards the refurbishment of the facility.
3. With this funding the roof-space was converted into an open plan office, which freed up 2 rooms on the first floor for use as training rooms. The building was refurbished, the lift was extended to the roof space, and rental and decant costs were also covered.
4. The Forum now provides 16 individual programmes accommodating over 1100 customers each week.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.