Barnardo’s gets £230,000 for project in Ballymena

A funding boost of over £230,000 has been announced for a Barnardo’s education programme in the Ballymena Area.

The investment will allow Barnardo’s, as appointed service provider to continue their ‘Jigsaw’ project which supports children, young people and their families to improve educational outcomes. Three specialised project workers will continue to work for the next three years in partnership with four schools providing a service which ensures positive relationships between teachers, parents/carers and young people. The four schools are Ballykeel, Camphill and Harryville Primary Schools and Ballee Community High School.

Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland said: “This is good news for people in the Ballymena Neighbourhood Renewal Area as the funding will provide them with significant benefits. It will help to develop programmes of support for parents and children with a view to creating a more socially inclusive, empowered and sustainable community infrastructure.

“Improving educational outcomes for our young people is an important part of ensuring a solid foundation for their future. Our young people need to be nurtured and providing educational projects like this one will help achieve that.”

The specialised project workers, managed by Barnardo’s, will develop contact with parents and children in the schools and community and deliver a range of diverse needs led support programmes.

A range of strategies such as a drop-in facility for parents and a variety of parenting programmes will be offered including transition from primary to post primary. Where appropriate individual parents will also be offered accessing support from a wide range of organisations.

Billy McMillan from Barnardo’s said: “Barnardo’s are delighted to continue to work with the Schools, Families and Communities in Ballymena to help enhance children’s experience of education and enable children to become the best they can be.”

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