04/04/2017

EA Slammed Over Youth Service Funding Cuts

The Education Authority (EA) has been slammed for cutting funding to extended youth organisations in Belfast.

SDLP Cllr Tim Attwood said the cuts will have a "devastating impact" on young people in west Belfast.

Mr Attwood said: "The cuts in Ministerial funding mean that's every youth organisation in Andersonstown will be impacted Matt Talbot, Clonard, New Barnsley, Glor Na Mona, St Teresa's YC, St Agnes YC and St Michaels YC.

"The reality for St Teresa's YC means a loss of 49 hours for their club, the loss of a 28 hour post and four part-time workers, no late opening on Friday night, no Sunday night opening and closure on Thursday. This is a huge loss to the local community and means many young people will not have access to social interventions, advice and counselling support.

"I am scathing of the Education Authority who on 1 March 2017 informed Belfast City Council that 'The Minister for Education has made it clear that there are no proposals to end this funding.....On the basis that we agree with the position set out by Belfast City Council, EA does not believe that there is any merit in having a meeting to discuss this issue.'

"At best the Education Authority have been disingenuous about funding for extended youth service funding and at worst have misled people. It is vital that these decisions are revisited as soon as possible."

(CD)

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