Out-of-schools project opens in Londonderry

The Permanent Secretary at the Department for Social Development John Hunter has officially opened the Creggan Early Years Network (CEYN) ‘Out-of-Schools’ project at Rath Mor in County Londonderry.

The project, which was unveiled on Wednesday, October 24, was developed in response to the needs of local children and their families, as identified by the Londonderry Development Office under the EC URBAN Community Initiative.

Providing services to the local community including 72 out-of-school childcare places, the project offers respite care for families with children with disabilities, parent and toddler groups, training programmes for parents and advice on new initiatives supporting people in training and getting back to employment.

Mr Hunter said: “I am pleased to say that my Department and the European Union, under the URBAN Community Initiative, were able to provide a vital contribution to the regeneration of the Creggan area.

“The location of this facility at Rath Mor adds a further dimension to the range of services and facilities, relating to local enterprise, employment, training and community activities, which have been developed and are managed by Creggan Enterprises Limited as a social economy initiative.

“This project demonstrates how local community organisations, statutory bodies and funders can work together to address the needs of children and local people.”

The Network secured a grant of £47,703 from the New Opportunities Fund to create and cover the running costs of the new childcare places.

Breidge Gadd, the Fund’s Board Member in Northern Ireland, said: “Our aim is to help make accessible and affordable childcare available in areas where the need is greatest.

“We will fund projects that provide children with a safe and stimulating environment and enable many parents to benefit from employment, training and further education opportunities.” (AMcE)