26 February 2003

BROWNE PRAISES SUCCESS OF VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR CENSUS

Des Browne MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development, today thanked the voluntary and community organisations that participated in the recent census of the sector.

He said: "I am delighted with the response to the census and would like to thank all those organisations who took part. The information we received builds on the Department’s knowledge of the community and voluntary sector and will be invaluable in identifying geographical and sectoral gaps in grant provision."

The census was undertaken by the Voluntary and Community Unit and the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action at the end of last year. 4,471 forms were sent out and 2,444 were returned – a response rate of 55%.

All returned forms were entered into a prize draw to win a PC and printer package, which was donated by Carl Allen of 3PS Computer Systems in Limavady. Gateway Club in Coleraine, which works with children who have a disability, won the draw.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Any group which has not yet completed a form can request one from NICVA at 028 9087 7777.

A photo to accompany the article can be obtained from the Information Office by ringing 028 9056 9620.

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