Community Development and Partnership Are Key Says Gildernew

“At the same time, I recognise that within these communities, many people are faced with economic, social and physical barriers which limit their ability to participate in this process and contribute to community life. Through the current Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Programme, I am working to ensure that these people are given support to develop the skills and knowledge they need to access services and play an active part in decision making processes which affect their lives. “Through this programme, £10million is being invested in a range of interventions tackling issues such as childcare, fuel poverty and rural transport and through a rural challenge fund targeted at the community and voluntary sector. “The anti-poverty package has had many notable successes and it is very important that we build on it in our efforts to overcome disadvantage, discrimination and promote inclusion in rural areas throughout the north. “Going forward, I have secured additional resources which will raise overall expenditure to around £16million over the next four years. Collectively, we must look at the future needs of the rural community and assess how we will continue to work with other government departments to maximise the impact of this money. The rural community sector will be a key player in this and I will be looking to them for suggestions on what is still needed and for new ideas and innovative schemes to address rural poverty and social exclusion.” The Minister paid tribute to the work of Rural Community Network, and in particular to the Rural Support Networks throughout the north, who have maintained a vital link between Government and rural communities.]]>