Speaking at a conference to mark the achievements of the Down 2010 Investing for Health Group’s 'Making a Difference in Down' conference the Minister said that her Department is funding programmes aimed at mental health and problems that confront older people and families.
The Minister said: "The programmes will provide facilities and services for families including a mobile crèche for all of the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area and measures to reduce the sense of isolation and loneliness that many older people experience. Specific services will also be provided to assist those who suffer from mental health problems including training for key workers on themes such as stress management, managing distress, suicide prevention, family support and bereavement support."
The Minister concluded: "These are worthwhile programmes which are aimed at improving the health and well-being of the deprived members of our community and I am delighted to be able to provide the much needed funding to allow them to progress."
Notes to Editors:
1. The overall cost of the three health orientated programmes is £696,212 of which DSD Neighbourhood renewal will fund £376,155. This is for three projects:-
- Mental Health & Community Empowerment Programme for which DSD Neighbourhood renewal will contribute £104,500 to the overall cost of £127,000.
- Family Health & Wellbeing programme for which DSD Neighbourhood renewal will contribute £131,325 towards an overall cost of £281,582.
- Safe & Well Older Person’s Project. The overall cost of this programme is £287,630 and the Department's contribution is £140,330.
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.
3. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:
- 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.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07818 035258. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
