Attwood opens refurbished ‘Opportunity Youth’ offices

Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood has officially opened Opportunity Youth’s refurbished premises in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast.

The Department for Social Development’s Modernisation Fund provided £90,000 for the refurbishment of the offices which included; new computers, interactive white boards, office furniture and equipment as well as internal redecoration.

Minister Attwood met staff and young people who had completed training programmes through Opportunity Youth and heard personal accounts of the positive impact participation has had upon their lives.

Alex Attwood said: “I want my Department to support marginalised and vulnerable people so that they can acquire the necessary skills to help them take their full place in society.

“The economic downturn has been difficult but as the financial situation improves, young people must be able to enjoy the benefits that being in employment can bring. The Modernisation Fund was launched in July 2007 to provide support to organisations throughout Northern Ireland that planned to deliver more services to their local communities and to combat social exclusion. Speaking to the young people here, I have heard how this is being achieved in practical terms.

“Opportunity Youth provide and invaluable development and training service to thousands of young people in Northern Ireland each year. The refurbishment of these offices will help Opportunity Youth continue to meet the needs of those who are most in need of support. ”

Anne-Marie McClure, Opportunity Youth CEO said: 'This significant Improvement in Opportunity Youth's working environment and the facilities we offer the young people we serve is so much appreciated. As the organisation celebrates its 17th birthday we are now better equipped to offer a wider range of programmes and services to those young people who need these most."

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery added his congratulations to all involved with the Opportunity Youth project. He said: "Belfast is a city where everyone counts. I believe that the people of Belfast - and particularly our young people - are our best asset. By working together, it is my belief that we can help create a better city for all."

Notes to editors:

1. The objective of the Modernisation Fund is to support voluntary and community organisations to modernise to enable them to become more sustainable and deliver new and better services in an era of change. The capital programme will encourage collaboration and resource sharing among voluntary and community groups and will be managed across the schemes making up the programme.
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 / 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.