Cunningham supports Hope Centre outreach

SPEAKING after attending an information event hosted by Moyle Policing and Community Safety Partnership which dealt with the services and support available for individuals and families dealing with drugs and alcohol misuse, Ballycastle SDLP Councillor Dónal Cunningham has welcomed the interest shown by the HOPE Centre, Ballymena, around the creation of an outreach service for the Ballycastle area.

Moyle PCSP, of which Councillor Cunningham is a member, has made a commitment to place these issue high on their agenda and to be available to listen and note specific concerns raised about the negative impact drugs/alcohol are having on specific communities or neighbourhoods.

Councillor Cunningham said: “The Hope Centre is a paramount and indispensable service to drug and alcohol misusers and their families within the North Antrim area; it does a very valuable job. It has developed a very high level of expertise in a very difficult area.

“I have nothing but admiration and respect for its achievements. The drugs and alcohol problems are very real. They have to be tackled on many fronts, and that includes the rehabilitation of those who have been through abuse alongside support for their families. I welcome and support their efforts to provide an outreach centre in Ballycastle.”