PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT ON YOUTH CLUBS
 

South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has welcomed the announcement that youth clubs can now avail of 100% funding to upgrade their facilities.

Mr Burns said, “Voluntary youth clubs offer so much to our children and young people as they provide a safe play and learning environment. Youth clubs are a great way to develop children’s talents and abilities outside mainstream education and they also help children and young people build friendships. They give our youth a positive outlet and helps keep many young people off the streets and out of trouble.

“This announcement that youth clubs will now be able to avail of 100% funding to upgrade their facilities is good news for the sector. Unfortunately there are many youth clubs in dire need of upgrading and this grant will help bring a new standard to youth clubs across the north. £150k has been allocated to this funding which will open to applications shortly and I would urge any youth club in Antrim or the surrounding area who are in need of improvements to apply early.

“If we are to have any impact on problems like anti-social behaviour and youths causing bother in our town centres and on our main streets we must provide our young people with decent alternatives. We need to upgrade our existing facilities and we need to develop new youth services.”

ENDS