Ritchie welcomes employer supported volunteers

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, praised Employer Supported Volunteering initiatives while visiting a Housing Scheme in the Markets area of Belfast today.

Helm staff had been volunteering at the housing scheme. They helped plant daffodil bulbs and tidy gardens on behalf of the residents as it is a sponsor for the Marie Curie ‘Fields of Hope’ campaign.

Visiting Hong Ling Gardens, a supported housing scheme specifically for the elderly Chinese community, Margaret Ritchie said: “Hong Ling Gardens is home to over 50 elderly residents. It is a wonderful scheme that provides a safe and secure home for more vulnerable members of our society.

“The volunteers from Helm are helping to improve the lives of residents at Hong Ling by volunteering to brighten up the communal areas.

“Local volunteers take pride in their community and play an important role in the future of Northern Ireland as they strive to make shared communities accessible and enjoyable for all.

Margaret Ritchie continued: “The planting of daffodils will ensure that when Spring arrives, the residents can look forward to a bright and cheerful garden to relax in and Helm are to be congratulated for allowing their staff time away from the office to take part in this wonderful initiative.”

Speaking during the visit, David Moore, Chair of Helm Housing said: “Helm staff have, since 1996, sponsored various charities every two years. We are delighted with this partnership with Marie Curie Cancer Care and admire the voluntary efforts of the staff in supporting this charity and also give thanks to our tenants who are supporting the staff through fundraising in their schemes.”

During the visits to the various schemes, residents have taken part in coffee mornings and organised collections that will be passed on at the end of the imitative to Marie Curie to support the very worthwhile work they do across Northern Ireland.

Notes to editors:

1. Helm Housing employs over 130 staff and is responsible for up to 50 supported housing schemes across Northern Ireland.
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.