Shantallow Community Development to receive cash boost

The Department for Social Development's (DSD) has awarded the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership (GSAP) a £98,213 bonus as part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy fund to support community development.

The funding will secure three jobs within the Partnership, thus allowing further support to be provided to over 50 other community organisations.

The GSAP provides essential support and advice in areas such as influencing policy making, developing networks, articulating local needs, and developing community infrastructure.

Speaking after the announcement, Social Development Minister, David Hanson, said: "The Greater Shantallow Area Partnership has been providing vital support to community groups for more than 10 years. This funding will ensure that this support continues.

"Through the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, my Department is providing local people with the skills and tools they need to help themselves."

Mr Hanson continued by saying that by working in partnership with both statutory organisations and community representatives such as the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership, the government can make a real difference to the lives of people living within neighbourhood renewal areas.

Greater Shantallow Area Partnership's Project Manager, Darren Kirby today welcomed the Department of Social Development's funding.

He said: "The Greater Shantallow Area Partnership welcomes the core funding from DSD to enable us to continue and improve our support to what is an active and vibrant Community and Voluntary sector within Greater Shantallow.

"It is clear that this sector continues to strengthen and demonstrate the dynamism and creativity required to address some of our most stubborn concerns and problems."

Mr Kirby concluded by saying that the funding would assist GSAP in its key role of enabling and encouraging others to take action to address the needs of local communities.

(EF/SP)