East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs has welcomed news that local groups have received funding awards to continue good work in the area.
Mr Beggs MLA said “Acceptable Enterprises Ltd, based in Larne, has received a grant for £600,000. The social enterprise is supporting young people with a learning disability or disadvantage aged 16 to 19 who attend special schools in Larne, Newtownabbey, Ballymena and Jordanstown.”
The project through work and social activities, provides the young people with real experience in manufacturing, retail, packaging, assembly, catering and horticulture. They are also learning life skills such as confidence, team work and communication. The young people are steering the project, helping design and develop the activities, mentoring others and helping to evaluate the project.
Roy Beggs continued “I also welcome the £600,000 award to Women’s Aid which will continue its good work in the Carrickfergus, Larne & Newtownabbey areas in addition to Antrim and Ballymena. The project supports young people within our community who have bene affected by domestic violence and the project also aims to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in addition to health and wellbeing.”
The UUP MLA went on to say “I was also glad to be advised that 5 projects gained ‘Awards for All’ funding. Glenariff Improvement Group will receive £10,000 to run activities for older and isolated people and lobbies for improvements on the Glens of Antrim area. Craigyhill Senior Citizens Club have been awarded £6,400 to provide meals and educational/recreational bus trips for older people in the Larne area. Roddensvale Special School has also received £7,560 to provide access to Music Therapy for Me sessions.”
“I was also pleased to see Greenisland FC receive £9,762 which will go towards upgrading their clubhouse to provide a more accessible community space. £10,000 was also awarded to the Sunnylands and Woodburn Community Development Group which works to improve the quality of life for residents in the area.”
Concluding, Mr Beggs MLA added “Carrickfergus & District Senior Gateway Club, Carrickfergus Town Centre Partnership and Larne Community Care Centre are to receive a combined sum of £12,721 through the ‘Celebrate’ scheme which is aimed at one-off projects that will help bring people together and increase community spirit.”
