West Belfast centre will provide real opportunities for youth

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA and Education Minister Caitríona Ruane MLA today officially opened the refurbished St Peter’s Immaculata Youth Centre in the Falls area of Belfast.

The refurbished centre will provide a range of services to young people in the Lower Falls/Divis area, providing real opportunity for skills development in a safe, purpose-built environment.

Both the Department for Social Development and the Department of Education have funded the refurbishment, providing £262,000 and £122,000 respectively.

Referring to the difficulties faced by young people growing up in the 21st century and the importance of positive influences in their lives, Margaret Ritchie 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 and more pleasant for all residents.

"Our children are our future and we must endeavour to help them grow in all aspects of their lives. Supporting the young in our society through projects like this one will ensure we help promote the values of self-reliance and social inclusion for young people in our most disadvantaged areas.

"Alongside making the financial help available, I want to ensure we invest in our people too."

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane also unveiled a plaque naming the main recreation hall in honour of a long standing volunteer in the youth centre, Gerry Early.

Minister Ruane said: "This has been an exciting and challenging project for you and one that will greatly benefit not only the young people of the parish but the community as a whole. I wholeheartedly congratulate and thank everyone who helped to make tonight’s re-opening of this beautiful new centre a reality.

"One of the biggest challenges we face in education is closing the gap in achievement levels of those who do very well in the education system and those who do not. In the past, we have had a deeply unequal education system. One of the inequalities I removed was the 11+. Equality is now the cornerstone and at the heart of all our education policies. I know that through the programmes on offer here and the excellent staff, young people are inspired to become engaged and active citizens.

"I know St Peter’s staff are very grateful to the contribution made by Gerry Early to St Peter’s over the last 50 years."

The Minister also congratulated other funders of the project including the Parish of St Peter’s itself.

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078, Joe Livingston on 07970 976 894 or Department of Education Communications Team on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
2. The Department for Social Development has provided Neighbourhood Renewal funding of £262,000 towards a total project cost of £403,000 for the refurbishment of the facility and for IT equipment. The balance is funded by the Department of Education (£122,000) and St Peter’s Parish underwritten by the Diocese of Down and Connor. Ongoing revenue costs for the completed facility will be provided by the Belfast Education & Library Board.
3. Under Neighbourhood Renewal funding DSD’s Belfast Regeneration Office has committed approximately £2.4million to the Falls Neighbourhood Renewal area up until 31/03/11. This supports 20 local groups delivering services for children, young people, women, environment and community safety initiatives. Funding has provided training, education, health services, social activities and opportunity for employment.