Home Start cash welcomed by Shannon

Home Start cash welcomed by Shannon

4 January 2012

THE financial lifeline thrown to the Down District Home Start organisation has been welcomed by Strangford MP Jim Shannon.

Funding in the region of £65,000 is to be made available by the Department of Health to allow Home Start to continue its vital work with families across the district.

A funding crisis had threatened the closure of the organisation’s operations in Ballynahinch and Newcastle, but Stormont Health Minister Edwin Poots has confirmed the cash will be provided.

The news has been welcomed by Strangford MP who met with Mr. Poots when the Minister visited Home Start officials on December 20 in Ballynahinch.

Mr. Shannon, who was accompanied by councillors Garth Craig and Billy Walker, said the Health Minister’s departmental officials will meet with Home Start representatives to come up with a way to get them through the current financial year.

He said funding for the new financial year will be sought via the Social Protection Fund and Social Investment Fund, both of which are allocated through the office of the First and Deputy First Ministers at Stormont.

Mr. Shannon continued: “A clear strategy is now in place for both the short and the long term. During my time as an elected representative I have been aware of the good work Home Start does in the community.

“In Ballynahinch and Newcastle, almost 18,300 volunteer hours are provided for the local area. Many mothers and children owe their sanity and welfare to Home Start, an organisation used and appreciated by countless families in the local area.”

The Strangford MP said as a result of the commitment to help Down District Home Start, he hopes funding for the organisation’s operations in the Ards peninsula, Comber and Newtownards can be identified.

Mr. Shannon added: “Home Start helps vulnerable children and families under pressure and directs help from volunteers and staff directly to them where they need it most. This lifts the pressure, eases the burden and ensures people have the help that’s needed to lead a normal life.”