Derry's Dunluce Family Centre receives funding boost from Assets Recovery Scheme

Justice Minister Naomi Long has visited Dunluce Family Centre to see how funding from the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS) is making a difference.

Dunluce Family Centre, which provides support services for families in the Ballymagroarty, Hazelbank, Coshquin, Pennyburn, Glen, and Rosemount areas was allocated £62k to support vital services over the next three years.

The Minister also met staff who deliver the ‘Putting Young People First’ project provided by the centre. 

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I am delighted that my Department has been able to help, through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme.  

“I have visited a number of community-based organisations in recent weeks and each visit – without fail – has been eye opening. It is not only the impact being felt in communities, but what has struck me is the enthusiasm that exists in organisations like this; the desire to make the community a better, safer place for all.

“Life today is challenging for so many – and particularly young people. There are temptations and challenges now – the like of which we have not seen before. It is important that we take time to recognise the efforts that many families and young people are making to try to stay out of the justice system. 

“I know some of the funding this year will provide counselling and early intervention to children and young people to help build resilience and improve self-esteem. Mentoring by experienced individuals can contribute to keeping those young people exhibiting challenging behaviours out of the criminal justice system.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long speaking with from left, Kevin Thompson, Dunluce Family Centre Mentor; Mary Bonner, child counsellor; Eamon McGinley, CRJI co-ordinator; Brian McNechtain, Dunluce Family during a visit to the centre.

The Dunluce Family Centre is a family support hub offering a multi-agency network of statutory, community and voluntary organisations that provide early intervention services, and works with families who need early intervention services. The centre supports young people in developing their ability to tackle bullying, raise awareness and acceptance of diversity and improve self-esteem. 

With this funding award, the Dunluce Family Centre will provide a one-to-one mentoring service with children and young people who are known to police and youth workers and who exhibit challenging behaviour with a view to prevention of criminal activity. In addition, counselling will be offered to children between the ages of seven and 18.

The centre’s ‘Best Me’ workshops will help parents to better understand their child’s development stages and how best support a child presented with difficult and challenging behaviours.