Busy Time At Ballyhornan Family Centre

“To date we have a youth club going, a mothers and toddlers group, dancing classes a couple of nights a week (Zumba run by dance instructor Immanuel McStravick, and a more traditional class), a drama group, arts and crafts classes which includes a Tiffany stained glass group, and a number of other activities. Some are one off such as the many birthday parties we cater for and soon we will be seeing our ICT suite coming on-stream which will offer computer training on our doorstep. [caption id="attachment_27339" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Front row, Kevin Duffin, Ballyhornan Family Centre (BFC ) member, Down District Council Chairman Dermot Curran, NI Environment Minister Alex Attwood, Patricia Curran, BFC chairwoman, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie MLA, and Jennifer Davey, BFC youth worker. Back row, Liam McLernon, Down Council Corporate Director, John Dummigan, Down Council Chief Executive, with John McGreevy, Sean Fitzsimons and Noel Curran, BFC members."][/caption] “We will have a dedicated computer suite with 12 computers and there will be properly run classes. This should help improve computer skills for many in our area and will certainly improve people’s employability. “We are working in partnership with ‘Fastrack to IT’ (FIT NI), and will be able to deliver a package to include learning how to help your child with their homework, shopping online, downloading music/podcasts,digital photography, computers basics, using email, texts and Skype, creating letters and posters and many other skills.” FIT NI provides financial support to start courses for learners, provides extra funding for the use of approved community facilities and uses qualified tutors from local FE colleges. Learners who qualify if they are over 19, out of work, not on a governement scheme or another educational course. Patricia also explained that the popular party booking were a great success and the children were free to use the facilities in the main hall for two hours. “We even have our own bouncy castle so regardless of the weather the children have a whale of a time. And the parents can use the kitchen too to sort out their food and nibbles. “But there are other areas too we are exploring such as the development of a 3G pitch for youth soccer and other sports. “Basically we are open to suggestions from people on the use of the hall. It is an excellent premises.” But the work of the  Ballyhornan Family Centre board is far reaching and they are centrally involved in the Ballyhornan Task Force, an inter-agency group set up two years ago at address the dereliction and problems caused by the closure of former RAF Bishopscourty air base in the early 90’s. The group have received a £5000 grant from the Down Rural Area Partnership to do an audit and development plan for the area. They will be working in conjunction with Down District Council on the creation of an area plan. “We are in an area of high deprivation according to the offical Noble index. “In the Ballyhornan/Bishopscourt area there are many issues of properties lying derelict, street lighting, water and sewage problems, and even the roads. The Taskforce will address all of this and provide longer term strategies to get our neighbourhood  cleaned up. There are enormous infrastructural problems to contend with. “The 3G pitches will cost £410,00 to build. To achieve this we will need to raise a cocktail of grants. It will take a lot of time and energy but there is is definitely a need in the area for this for our youth.” But Patricia pointed out that housing too was a problem, and welcomed the four social houses planned as a welcome beginning to provide accessible housing. She added, “This is a step forward and people on the housing list have not been able to apply for a house in Ballyhornan as quite simple there are none there. This is just another improvement to Ballyhornan and is the start of better things to come. She added, “At the moment we have two part-time qualified youth workers and the work of our volunteers is very important and much appreciated. People like Brendan Reilly are the backbone of our organisation and activity and the committee is very pleased to have such dedicated people aboard.” Curran Praises Ballyhornan/Bishopscourt Community Effort Downpatrick Councillor Dermot Curran has congratulated the Ballyhornan Family Centre group for their effort and commitment to addressing the difficult issues within their community. He said, “This group has worked very hard and has done tremendous work. They have from the start been faced with an array of problems but never gave up. “They are a credit to their area. I have worked with them from the beginning and found the group very easy to get on with. They are already making a real difference to their neighbourhood and it will take time for their plans to eventually unfold. ‘Recently I was one of the judges at their X-Factor youth talent evening and I was amazed at what local talent there is in the area. The group have really worked well with the local youth through their youth club. It is good news too that there will be an excellent play coming to the Centre in the autumn. “I know that they are very much involved in the wider community development and are on the Ballyhornan Task Force. A huge amount of work needs to be done in the Ballyhornan and Bishopscourt area and it will take time and a lot of hard work to get the area into proper shape. ” New Hours For Youth Club New opening hours for Ballyhornan Youth Club have been announced. Wednesday 6.00-7.30pm for juniors and 7.30-9pm for seniors. And Friday 6.00-7.30pm for juniors and then 7.30-9pm for seniors. Two nights for both seniors and juniors!!! YouthLeader Jennifer Davey said, “We now are offering DRAMA classes weekly with Patricia Downey. And of course our football training will commence for seniors and juniors. Come along and enjoy our new activities plus lots lots more.”]]>