McCausland gives funding boost for employability programme in Armagh, Craigavon and Newry

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has awarded £43,000 for an employability programme in Armagh, Brownlow, Lurgan, Newry and North West Portadown.
~ Friday, 10 February 2012

The programme which will offer a specific training and employability programme for 50 participants has been developed to compliment the proposed ‘Hospice goes to Home’ programme which aims to deliver more cancer care to patients in their homes reflecting the wishes of many patients, relatives and carers. Participants will be offered a tailored programme in health care, personal development and job ready skills leading to a level 2 qualification in Adult Social Care and a potential work placement in a community based Hospice.

Nelson McCausland said: “This is a unique and innovative project which will not only offer training and employment opportunities for 50 participants but will also allow those cancer patients who express a desire to be treated in their own homes to receive this service.”

The Minister explained that the project has been developed through a partnership involving DSD, Southern Area Hospice, five Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Boards and the Southern Regional College who has provided £14,000 towards the cost of the project and will be responsible for its management. The Southern Hospice based in Newry has offered to place over 20 successful participants on its duty register on condition of completion of training.

The Minister concluded: “This project will bring about a range of benefits for residents of the five Neighbourhood Renewal Areas. It is an excellent example of partnership working. I would pay tribute to all those involved in its development and wish the participants every success as they embark on the training programme.’

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 Communications Team on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.