£920,000 investment will deliver social change in Fermanagh – Foster and Fearon

A new £920,000 extension to facilities in Fermanagh House, Enniskillen will provide much needed support to local groups and charities in the Fermanagh area and improve the lives of many local people.

First Minister, the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster and Junior Minister, Megan Fearon officially opened a 500 square meter extension to Fermanagh House, made possible by an investment from the Social Investment Fund.

Officially opening the new facilities, the First Minister, Arlene Foster said: “I am delighted to officially open this wonderful extension to Fermanagh House, right in the heart of Enniskillen, which will create economic benefits throughout Fermanagh.

“This extension, which involved £920,000 of funding from the Northern Ireland Executive, will allow local organisations to provide services right across the county and will be a focal point for supporting shared education in rural communities.

“What makes the Social Investment Fund special is that it is about local people creating local solutions and the involvement of the community in this project has been paramount, as they strive to bring about positive change for themselves. The Executive is committed to creating a more inclusive and equal society and the £80 million Social Investment Fund is one such tool helping us to get there.

“This project is a credit to all involved and I commend everyone who has stepped forward to play their part in making it a success.”

The project which was designed in conjunction with the local community will provide a base for charities, and community and voluntary organisations in Fermanagh.

Junior Minister, Megan Fearon said: “The Fermanagh House extension is one of 69 projects benefitting from the Social Investment Fund. It has increased the floor space by over 70% and will house a range of new services and facilities, including a dedicated community education resource and hot desks for regional groups and fledgling community initiatives and enterprises wanting a presence in Fermanagh. 

“The £80 million Social Investment Fund, along with other Executive programmes, such as the Together Building a United Community strategy, is strategically designed to achieve real, long-lasting and sustainable social benefits for those who need it most. The Executive is committed to regenerate, develop infrastructure and bring economic benefit to all areas, both urban and rural, and this project is helping deliver that in Fermanagh.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Delivering Social Change is the Executive’s framework, set up to tackle poverty and social exclusion. It aims to deliver a sustained reduction in poverty and associated issues across all ages and to improve children and young people’s health, well-being and life opportunities thereby breaking the long term cycle of multigenerational problems. For more information go to: https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/topics/social-change

2. The Social Investment Fund (SIF) is an £80 million fund aimed at addressing poverty, deprivation and unemployment across Northern Ireland in dedicated investment zones. There are nine zones, one of which is the Western Zone.

3. The Fermanagh House extension is funded by The Executive Office’s Social Investment Fund with co-funding of £80,000 from Fermanagh Trust.

4. Media enquiries to The Executive Office press office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press office via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

5. Follow us on Twitter @niexecutive.
 

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