Council seeks an end to cash crisis at local charity

Council seeks an end to cash crisis at local charity

LOCAL politicians want the Department of Health to provide permanent funding for the Down District Home Start organisation.

The local charity provides vital support to families and children across the district and politicians want the organisation provided with a ring-fenced financial package.

They argue Home Start officials should not have to get the begging bowl out every year to secure the money they need to remain business.

At Monday night’s meeting of Down Council it was agreed to invite Home Start officials to address politicians on how they can help.

Council chairman Mickey Coogan also secured across-the-board political support for a proposal to ask Health Minister Edwin Poots and Sue Ramsey, chairwoman of Stormont’s Health Committee, to provide the charity with the cash it needs.

“It has been clear for some time that this organisation, which plays a significant role in the lives of many families across our district, needs to be provided with the permanent funding it requires to keep helping families and children,” he declared.

“Home Start should not continually have to chase the funding it requires to remain in business. This issue needs to be sorted out once and for all.”

Councillor Coogan said it’s important all elected representatives stand beside Home Start and provide whatever support and assistance they can.

“Home-Start provides an important social service to our community and requires central government funding,” he added.

Councillor Anne McAleenan said she asked Down Council a number of months ago to write to Mr. Poots urging him to provide the funding Home Start requires.

She said everyone is aware of the charity’s vital work and the important role it plays across the district, helping many families and children.