£58m Investment For Dementia Sufferers

£58m is being invested in delivering improved services for parents, shared education and support for people with dementia.

£33m is being provided by the Northern Ireland Executive and £24.65m by Atlantic Philanthropies. The programmes will be led by the Department of Health and the Department of Education.

Announcing the Programme at the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast, First Minister Peter Robinson said: "This new £58million package of services, under the Delivering Social Change initiative, will result in a real and positive change in the lives of people in genuine need. It is a clear and strong signal of the Executive’s determination to improve the lives of everyone in Northern Ireland.

"Aimed at helping those most in need, these three new projects will help provide support for people with dementia and their carers. They will help deliver improved services for parents facing difficulties and provide schools with the resources that they need to increase shared education among our young people.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "Although the £58million is coming from different sources we all share a common aim. To make a tangible difference to the lives of the people who need it most. We must address the needs of all of our citizens, in particular those suffering disadvantage and those on the margins of society.

"I thank Atlantic Philanthropies who have made a colossal contribution to our journey to build a more equitable society protecting rights and strengthening democracy. These projects will have a significant impact on the quality of people’s lives, now, and for years to come. The legacy will be a brighter future for the most vulnerable people in our community."

(IT/MH)