Ritchie launches Escape Study Support Centre

Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie today visited the Escape Study Support Centre in the Creggan area of Derry city to perform its official launch.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I am pleased my Department, through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, has been able to fund this worthwhile project for young people in disadvantaged areas of Derry.

“Investing time, resources and money in our young people is the only way we can bring communities together as part of a shared future. If we are to tackle the long term spiral of deprivation, and improve the life chances of those living in our most deprived communities, then our young people need to receive the best educational opportunities possible.

“It is vital that all our children and young people, regardless of background, are given every opportunity to achieve their full potential. Neighbourhood Renewal funding is an excellent means of supporting innovative projects that will make a difference. The Escape Project through the utilisation of Information, Technology, Sports and mentoring, aims to achieve just that.”

The Escape (Education, Sports, Citizenship and Parents) Project is a pilot project promoted through the Triax Neighbourhood Partnership and modelled upon an existing national initiative delivered within Britain. The national ‘Playing for Success’ model aims, through the utilisation of Information, Technology, Sports and Mentoring, to raise the educational standards of 10–16 year olds, particularly in urban settings. This is achieved through the medium of sport as a motivator for those participating.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' which was published in June 2003, sets out Government’s proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society. Its objectives include four inter linking 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.

2. The Department for Social Development through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, provided £168,783 to facilitate salaries, running costs and programme costs for the project for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2011.

3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number

07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.