The border project will use the latest mapping technology to help identify the needs of local young people and any gaps in services provided to them along counties on both sides of the border. The project has been funded by the European Union INTERREG IIIA programme funding, secured by Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT), the cross border health and social care partnership.
Speaking at the launch in Armagh, Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said: “Thanks to a cross-border partnership between health and social services agencies, we now have this new planning model that will help organisations target their services to meet real and specific needs.
“Using Google Earth technology organisations will be able to quickly and directly access facts and figures such as poverty levels, health statistics or teenage pregnancies, then work together to plan services to help address such issues.
“It will be an essential planning tool for all those responsible for the planning and commissioning of services for our children and young people and one we hope has potential to support an all-island approach to mapping needs,” said Mr Kelly.
Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson said the initiative would help the Executive deliver its ten year strategy for children and young people.
“The welfare of our children is a key priority for the Executive and to improve their quality of life as well as their life experiences, we have set six key targets.
“The themes are health, learning, achievement and enjoyment, contributing positively to society and community, safety, economic and environmental well-being and respect for the rights of children and young people.
“This planning model and web-based mapping system means that key organisations, working on the ground, can plan services which have a direct impact on improving children’s lives.” added Mr Donaldson.
Notes to Editors:
- The ‘Integrated Planning Model for Outcomes for Children and Young People’ and an interactive website, are the work of Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT), a cross border health and social care partnership comprising the border counties of the Health Service Executive in the Republic of Ireland and the Southern and Western Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts in Northern Ireland.
- The project was funded by the European Union INTERREG IIIA Programme.
- The Junior Ministers have responsibility for the co-ordination of policy for children and young people.
- The ten year strategy “Our Children and Young People – Our Pledge” is available on the Children and young people's unit website
. - Media Enquiries: Press office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister on 028 9052 1595
