Ministers Praise Work of Loughview Partnership

Junior Ministers Gerry Kelly and Robin Newton have praised the work of the Loughview Community Action Partnership (LCAP) in North Belfast.

Established in July 2008, the Community Empowerment Partnership (CEP) works to tackle community issues and relationships in Mount Vernon, Whitecity, Shore Crescent, Graymount, Tiger's Bay, Mid Skegoniel and Mountcollyer.

The broad strategic direction for funding in North Belfast has now been agreed. Current funding for all Community Empowerment Partnerships will continue until the details of the new scheme are finalised and the necessary preparations for the new arrangements are put in place.

LCAP along with the other CEPs have been invited to submit further applications for funding to cover their work until the transition into the new scheme in the autumn.

“This model of partnership working has been highly effective with many diverse groups sitting round the table. The style and ethos of the LCAP partnership has gone a great way to build relationships and trust.

“We are very encouraged by the work to date and the significant impact it has had on the local communities. We would commend the hard work involved, not only by the community workers, but the significant numbers of volunteers,” said Minister Kelly.

Junior Minister Newton said: “The Partnership brings together a number of very diverse groups and it is very encouraging to see how relationships have developed and how groups are now working together for the good of the Lower North Belfast Community.

“In a short space of time it has made a very positive impact in the area, meeting all its targets such as establishing a youth forum, courses in drug, addiction and suicide awareness as well as a volunteer recruitment drive,” said Mr Newton.

Funded by the OFMDFM North Belfast Community Action Unit, the partnership focuses on four main themes; Health; Youth; Older People/Social Inclusion; and Volunteer Development.

It has also established a youth conference, an older person needs analysis workshop, delivered both an environmental and drugs awareness programme in seven local schools, as well as volunteer development courses in child protection and first aid, extensive coordinated youth outreach programme and finance and governance training.

Notes to Editors:

1. All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

2. A photograph is available by contacting OFMDFM press office tel: 028 9052 1375.

Caption: Junior Ministers meet with members of Loughview Community Action Partnership. (L-R) Junior Minister Robin Newton, Rev Hayden Foster, Harry Smyth, Bill Kennedy and Junior Minister Gerry Kelly.