£7m funding boost

The 7million funding delivered by the Department's North West Development Office, since 1 April 2009, was the highest level awarded since the programme was introduced in 2004.

It has helped local organisations provide key services to some of the area's most deprived communities.

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood said: "This is the highest level of Neighbourhood Renewal funding awarded to organisations in the North West since the programme was established. Neighbourhood Renewal is making a real difference to the lives of the residents of some of the most disadvantaged communities within the local area."

Some of the projects that received funding include Creggan Pre-school and Training Trust (CPTT), Gingerbread NI, Roe Valley Residents' Association, Strabane and District Citizens' Advice Bureau, An Gaelaras, Gasyard Wall Feile and Melmount and East Bank Estates' Community Associations' Forum.

Carol Muldoon who regularly uses the services provided by Creggan Pre-school and Training Trust said: "I have been availing of the many family support services within CPTT for the past four years.

"I have completed a number of courses that not only offered me the opportunity to start again in education but significantly increased my confidence and social skills. In addition, the courses also provided crche facilities offering my child a warm, caring environment that enhanced his developmental skills."

Naomi Welch a single mother of three children under six who uses the services provided by Gingerbread said: "When I found out about Gingerbread and the services they provide, I was amazed at all the opportunities that were available to me and my children. I have now returned to education and believe in myself again and my children's future looks better than ever."

Minister Attwood added: "My Department is committed to ensuring that these communities are provided with the best services possible and given every opportunity to work towards improving their own lives."