This represents an increase of over £1million in funding, as the previous year's amount was around £4million.
The funding, delivered by the Department’s North West Development Office since April 2008, has helped local organisations provide key services to some of the area’s most deprived communities. Key services have included alcohol and health awareness, crime prevention initiatives, anti racism and culture diversity programmes and free law advice.
Margaret Ritchie said: “Neighbourhood Renewal is making a difference to the most disadvantaged communities within the North West. The amount of Neighbourhood Renewal funding invested this year in the North West exceeds all previous years.”
“This is Government’s main strategy to improve the most disadvantaged areas in society. I am committed to ensuring that the communities in the North West are provided with the best services possible.”
There are six Neighbourhood Renewal Areas in the North West, four in Derry City and one each in Limavady and Strabane.
Some of the organisations that received funding include: Creggan Country Park £58,000; Greater Shantallow Area Partnership £137,000; Rosemount and District Welfare Rights Group £82,000; Top of the Hill 2010 £83,000; Londonderry Citizens’ Advice Bureau £121,000; Strabane Ethnic Community Association £29,000; and Roe Valley Residents’ Association £14,940.
Notes to editors
1 £5.2 million was allocated in the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009.
2 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. Its objectives include:
- 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.
3 Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
