Government funding totalling £338,486 will see the Rainbow Child and Family Centre Derry’s Shantallow area double in size.
The funding, provided by the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, will allow Centre to expand its premises, and enhance existing services for families, in one of the most disadvantaged communities in the city.
The expansion will see the constuction of a new community room, kitchen area and office space as well as renovating and upgrading the Centre’s current facilities which include a play room, a quiet room and toilet facilities.
The Rainbow Child and Family Centre organisation provides safe and affordable pre-school and after-school services for children to allow parents to return to education and/or training to increase their knowledge and skills base to move into employment.
The Centre is also used by local schools and community groups to provide playgroup sessions, a summer scheme and mother and toddler services for the local community.
Announcing the funding the Minister Nelson McCausland said the Centre delivered an important service to the people of the Shantallow West and Outer North Neighbourhood Renewal Area.
He said the funding would provide much needed additional community space that could be used to develop further services for the local community groups.
Mr McCausland added: “This investment of £338,486 is a clear example of the Executive working to deliver for our most disadvantaged local communities.”
Majella Mallett, chairperson of Rainbow Child and Family Centre, said the “additional fit” for purpose community space within the centre would be accessible for local residents of all ages living in the Shantallow West and Outer North Neighbourhood Renewal areas.
“The space will be available for use by other Community Groups to deliver a range of social, recreational, health, training, environmental and educational programmes, services and activities that meet the needs of residents. These programmes and services will compliment and extend the services that are currently being delivered from our Centre.”
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