Northern Ireland Executive delivers £1.7million for East Belfast - Foster

First Minister the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster has welcomed a £1.7million project to improve employability in East Belfast.

The First Minister is pictured with (l-r) Councillor Sharon Skillen; David Stitt, CEO Charter NI; First Minister Arlene Foster; Drew Haire, Chairperson Charter NI; Caroline Birch, Project Manager

The Social Investment Fund’s Belfast East Employability Project managed by Charter NI, will assist at least 300 unemployed, low paid or low skilled people to find employment.

Launching the programme in Exchange Church, the First Minister, Arlene Foster said: “Today is a very good news day for this local area, with the launch of the Social Investment Fund Belfast East Employability Project.

“This announcement demonstrates the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment to deliver for the people of East Belfast by making over £1.7million available to help people living in this area get the skills and experience they need to get a new or better job, or to start up their own business.

“The money, provided through the Social Investment Fund, will support at least 300 people, people who are unemployed or under-employed or who are low paid or low skilled, to find future employment and enable them to compete in the market place or to move up in their chosen career path.

“This project is exactly what the Social Investment Fund is all about. It is bringing about social change in parts of Northern Ireland that are suffering from real disadvantage and giving people a helping hand to make the most of their potential.

“Significant work has already been undertaken over the last few years in partnership with local Steering Groups. Projects such as the redevelopment of Bryson Street Surgery, now known as Bridges Family Practice, and the Best of the East Visitors’ Centre on the Newtownards Road, show the progress that has been made in delivering vital services to local communities.

“I commend the people working in the voluntary and community sectors, who know what most needs to be done in the areas where they work, and I have no doubt this Project will build on that success and really make a difference to the people of East Belfast.”

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