Attwood opens family centre in Derry

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today opened the newly refurbished Derryview Family and Children Centre in Derry’s Waterside.

The project, funded through the Department’s Modernisation Fund and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, offers crèche services and an out of school facility to local parents. It will enable up to 20 sets of parents to return to employment and/or education by providing quality out-of-school childcare at an affordable cost. The centre will also enable parents and residents the opportunity to participate in education and training to increase their prospects of obtaining future employment.

Alex Attwood said: "This is good news for families in Derry’s Waterside. The Hillcrest House community organisation provides a vital service for people in the Top of the Hill area. The refurbished family centre will prove a major asset to parents and children in the area.

"This project meets the objectives of my Department's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy and Modernisation Fund. It provides people in disadvantaged areas the infrastructure, skills, support, and modern facilities that will enable them to improve their quality of life and prospects for the future."

Notes to editors:

1. The total refurbishment of Derryview Family Centre cost approximately £163,281.25. DSD provided funding of £78,518 for the first phase of the project through the Modernisation Fund. It also provided funding of £84,763.25 towards phase two of the project through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via page number 07699 715 440.