Minister Launches £415,000 Lisburn Enterprise Project

Northern Ireland’s Social Development Minister has launched a new £415,000 social enterprise project at Resurgam Trust in Lisburn

Nelson McCausland launched the project, which will see Resurgam establish up to four new social economy businesses in the Lisburn area.

Speaking at the launch, Minister McCausland said: "I am delighted to launch this exciting new social economy growth project in Old Warren Estate, Lisburn. This project can deliver real change and contribute to social, economic and community regeneration throughout the area. New businesses will be created and job opportunities provided.

"My Department is committed to supporting social economy growth within the voluntary and community sector and this project will make an important contribution to this important goal. I know that the Resurgam Trust is committed to working in partnership with a range of public and community sector agencies to tackle disadvantage and promote regeneration. I would wish to see other communities benefit from the best practice being established through the Resurgam Trust model."

The Department for Social Development has awarded £415,000 up to March 2015 for the project.

It is hoped the funding will enable the Trust to engage in community regeneration through the social economy business model.

Philip Dean, Chair of Resurgam Trust commented: "The funding received by The Resurgam Community Development Trust for this Social Enterprise Pilot Project by the Department for Social Development has allowed us the time and space to create real employment and sustainable social enterprises.

"This resource has given us the capability to instil confidence in other service and funding providers to support programmes that deal with social and economic hardship. Training and employment opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds are at the very heart of our ethos."

(IT)