The Programme, worth £3million over two years, is targeted at areas that fall outside the 10% most disadvantaged but that are ‘hard to reach’ and are vulnerable to decline.
Areas at Risk aims to enable communities to build pride and confidence in themselves and in their areas, help communities deal with issues affecting them and engage constructively with neighbouring areas in order to build a wider sense of belonging.
Working with local community activists the fund seeks to address physical, social, economic or environmental issues affecting the community. These issues can range from lack of youth provision; drug abuse; mental health; support for the elderly and conflict within and between communities.
Following a series of meetings with her colleagues in the Assembly, local councillors and officials and having seen first hand the work being carried out in a number of the areas under phase one of the pilot, Minister Ritchie commented:
“Areas at Risk is a responsive and flexible programme, tailored to meet the individual needs of these vulnerable areas. We are working to empower communities that believe they have little or no stake in our society. Importantly, this support is not just about financial investment, it is about providing an opportunity for local people to get involved and have their say in helping to reinvigorate their areas.
“It is clear from feedback I have received from my Assembly colleagues, local councillors, officials and other agencies, and as a result of my visits to a number of communities targeted under the first phase of the programme, that this is a positive, much-needed programme that is helping to create stronger, more vibrant and cohesive communities.”
The second phase of the programme includes: Lower Whitewell, (North Belfast), Ballybeen, (Dundonald), Gilford, (Banbridge), Annadale, (South Belfast), Scrabo, (Newtownards), Killicomaine, (Portadown), Alexander/Lisanally, (Armagh), Ashfield Gardens, (Fintona), Seymour Hill, (Dunmurry), Craigyhill and Antiville, (Larne), Harryville, (Ballymena) and Caw/Nelson Drive and Lincoln Courts, (Derry/Londonderry).
Notes to Editors:
1. The ‘Areas at Risk Pilot Programme’ (AaR) was launched in June 2006 to provide support to communities outside the Noble 10% indicators of most disadvantaged but at risk of economic, social or environmental decline. The programme focuses on building social cohesion within the area; confidence in dealing with neighbouring communities and building a wider sense of belonging.
2. The pilot programme has a budget of £3million over two years.
3. The 9 pilot Areas at Risk identified under phase one are:
Sydenham (not previously covered by Neighbourhood Renewal)
Taughmonagh (Belfast)
Ballynoshollag (Londonderry)
Enogh in Limavady (Greystone Road, Enogh Park, Scroggy Close)
Dunclug (Ballymena)
West Portadown
Rathenraw Estate (Antrim)
Dhu Varren/Glenmanus (Portrush)
Seacourt (Larne)
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