Minister commends community groups for valued work as cost of living crisis continues

Date published: 14 June 2022

On a visit to Derry today Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey met with a range of community organisations who provide vital support to individuals and families within their local community.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is pictured at ASpace2, a community group in Derry offering a multisensory environment to support children and adults with learning, physical and sensory needs to develop skills and independence, with Tina Bell, Managin

The Minister visited Aspace2, Creggan Pre-school and Training Trust, The Rainbow Project and ETHOS Family Support Hub, as part of her series of engagement with organisations providing support to the community as we continue to navigate the cost of living crisis.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution these groups continue to make through the delivery of vital services and programmes to those most in need within our communities during these challenging times.

“I have heard first hand of the vital support these groups deliver for their local community and talked with staff about the current pressures and issues they are facing. The rise in cost of living has been highlighted as a major issue and has negatively impacted upon the vital services our community groups can deliver to those most in need within our communities.

“I am committed to do all that I can to support and protect our community groups, support workers and families who are experiencing real hardship and my officials are exploring options on how best to support those in need.  The absence of a functioning Executive and no agreed budget, makes the challenge all the greater.

She continued: “Earlier this month I reconvened the Emergencies Leadership Group as part of a strategic response to the cost of living crisis. This will be vital to lead and shape the way forward in terms of our policy and operational response to elevate pressures face by so many as the crisis deepens. My focus remains squarely on identifying and delivering means to support and help our citizens during this challenging time.”

    Notes to editors: 

     

    1. Caption:
      • Image One - Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is pictured at ASpace2, a community group in Derry offering a multisensory environment to support children and adults with learning, physical and sensory needs to develop skills and independence, with Tina Bell, Managing Director and trainee Andrew.
    2. ASpace 2 is a community group offering a multisensory environment to support children and adults with learning, physical and sensory needs to develop skills and independence.
    3. Creggan Pre-School & Training Trust Ltd (CPTT) provides a Family Support service with the core function of co-ordinating and delivering a range of services and activities aimed at Family Support for all ages.
    4. The Rainbow Project (TRP) works to improve the physical, mental & emotional health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people and their families
    5. ETHOS project is an early intervention project set up in December 2010 to deliver support and assistance to vulnerable families in the Outer North Area through collaborative, cross departmental intervention in a family support hub.
    6. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on email at press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk
    7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
    8. Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI

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