Community Support Van Hits The Road In Carrickfergus

27 May 2005
COMMUNITY SUPPORT VAN HITS THE ROAD IN CARRICKFERGUS

A unique 'activity van' bringing recreational and learning support into disadvantaged estates in the Carrickfergus area was handed over today.

The van, packed with equipment for activities ranging from arts and crafts to sports and training is one of the latest projects to be funded by the Department for Social Development (DSD) under its Local Community Fund.

It was presented today to Joan Christie, Chairperson of North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB), by David Hilditch, Mayor of Carrick, at an event held at Knockagh Youth Centre in Greenisland.

Also attending were representatives from the Knockagh Wrestling Club and Greenisland Irish Dancers. The mobile facility will provide these and other groups in the Sunnylands and Gortalee estates with a wide variety of equipment such as computers and disco gear to enable them to improve the quality of community life in the areas.

It is part of a Ł60,000 project designed in close co-operation with the local community to provide self-help facilities. The funding included the cost of purchasing the van, fitting it out and staff costs for five part-time youth workers and tutors to roll out the activities in the first year.

Speaking at the event, Dave Wall, Director of the DSD Voluntary and Community Unit, praised the local partnership for the originality of its project. He said: "The Local Community Fund is all about giving local people a helping hand to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhood. Each area has a say in how the funding will be best used to suit their individual requirements. In this case the van is a novel idea which will meet the diverse needs of the youth of the area.

"People living in both these estates face a high level of disadvantage and that is why they were chosen to benefit from the Local Community Fund. Its aim is both to provide physical resources and moral support for the community to help them gain confidence and improve conditions within their own areas."

Danny Nolan, Carrick Area Youth Officer, said: "The NEELB Youth Department is delighted to accept this additional resource van funded by the Local Community Fund of the Department for Social Development.

"This van will bring new curriculum and programme opportunities to further enhance the personal and social development of our young people. In doing this we are also helping to strengthen the development of our communities."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Ł3m per annum Local Community Fund was launched by the Department for Social Development in February 2003 aimed at improving the capacity and leadership in disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland.

2. Carrickfergus council area was allocated Ł157,713.46 in 2003/04, Ł154,019.32 in 2004/05 and a further allocation of Ł172,050 for 2005/06 was announced on 18 May 2005. It is administered by Carrickfergus Borough Council. Contact George Gibson 028 93 366666.

3. Further details of the Local Community Fund, which is available in 48 areas throughout Northern Ireland, are available from Tracey McCloskey, Voluntary and Community Unit, Department for Social Development, Level 3, Lighthouse Building, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JB. Telephone 028 9082 9420.

4. For further information on the Carrickfergus project please contact Sharon Dempsey at Carrick Area Youth Office on 07729 061964.

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