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14/06/2005
Second report published on Greater Village improvement
A report on how to improve public services for people living in the Greater Village area of Belfast was launched today.
It identifies the main difficulties experienced by local people across a wide range of areas including education, housing, employment, health, community relations, public transport, policing and economic development.
Speaking at the event at Donegall Road Primary School, the Minister for Social Development, David Hanson, said: "This research, which is based on detailed consultation with politicians, community representatives, businesses, statutory agencies and faith–based organisations, gives Government a better understanding of the difficulties facing people in this community.
"This is not about the need for new programmes or resources but is about better engagement and communication. The actions contained in the report should now be considered by the statutory, community and other sectors. A joined up approach is essential to improve the quality and accessibility of services and ultimately to regenerate this neighbourhood."
The Minister highlighted the particular problems faced by people in the Greater Village area in relation to training and employment.
"The issue is not about a lack of opportunities, of which there are many, but about the barriers many people have in terms of poor education achievement, low aspirations, physical and mental health problems and the apparent social acceptance of economy inactivity.
"Together we can work to change the mindset and confidence of people and raise the aspirations of young people in particular, so that they can see that education and work are attractive options for their future."
The Greater Village Report has been published following focused research by a small team of civil servants, based in the area.
The report is the second and final to be made under the terms of reference commissioned by the Taskforce to address the needs of working class Protestant communities.
The first report on the Sandy Row area was launched in January 2005.
(MB/SP)
It identifies the main difficulties experienced by local people across a wide range of areas including education, housing, employment, health, community relations, public transport, policing and economic development.
Speaking at the event at Donegall Road Primary School, the Minister for Social Development, David Hanson, said: "This research, which is based on detailed consultation with politicians, community representatives, businesses, statutory agencies and faith–based organisations, gives Government a better understanding of the difficulties facing people in this community.
"This is not about the need for new programmes or resources but is about better engagement and communication. The actions contained in the report should now be considered by the statutory, community and other sectors. A joined up approach is essential to improve the quality and accessibility of services and ultimately to regenerate this neighbourhood."
The Minister highlighted the particular problems faced by people in the Greater Village area in relation to training and employment.
"The issue is not about a lack of opportunities, of which there are many, but about the barriers many people have in terms of poor education achievement, low aspirations, physical and mental health problems and the apparent social acceptance of economy inactivity.
"Together we can work to change the mindset and confidence of people and raise the aspirations of young people in particular, so that they can see that education and work are attractive options for their future."
The Greater Village Report has been published following focused research by a small team of civil servants, based in the area.
The report is the second and final to be made under the terms of reference commissioned by the Taskforce to address the needs of working class Protestant communities.
The first report on the Sandy Row area was launched in January 2005.
(MB/SP)
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