9 September 2002
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER TELLS VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY GROUPS: WE’RE COUNTING ON YOU
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, MP MLA, today urged all community and voluntary groups in Northern Ireland to make sure that they return their census form.
The Voluntary and Community Unit (VCU) of the Department for Social Development and the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) have joined together to carry out a census of the voluntary and community sector. Census day is September 10 and forms will be used to collect basic information about all voluntary and community groups in Northern Ireland.
The Minister said that he had asked NICVA to collect this information because he wants to ensure that government policy relating to the sector is based on relevant, up to date information.
He said: "Our vibrant voluntary and community sector makes a formidable contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of Northern Ireland. Census returns will help to identify geographical and sectoral gaps in grant provision to the sector and will allow better targeting of the Government funding."
Around 5,000 forms have been sent to groups across Northern Ireland and should be returned before 30 September 2002. Any group that hasn't received a form should request one by telephoning NICVA on 028 9087 7777.
The Minister appealed to members of voluntary and community groups to participate.
"Please make sure that your organisation and its work is recognised on 10 September by returning your form. We're counting on you."
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