A new centre which will enable Newtownards to address community relations issues was officially launched today (Friday 23rd May 2008) by Alexander Smith, Joint Director General of the International Fund for Ireland. Situated on West Street, the building will be used as a base for The Link Family and Community Centre, an independent faith based community development organisation, established in 1996, which works with disadvantaged groups, and provides facilities, support and help to young people, who are socially excluded, as well as adults struggling with addiction. Work at the centre supports social and community cohesion and enables positive relationship building and the sharing of information and resources across the whole community. The organisation also provides links between church and community groups, statutory organisations and the voluntary sector with the aim of achieving positive community working together. Work has already started on the modern new building which will provide 760sq metres of community space, including meeting rooms, a drop in centre and office accommodation. Some of the office space will also be sub-let to other community based organisations whose work complements that of The Link. The project is being funded by the International Fund for Ireland which has contributed £627,389 to the scheme (delivered through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council) and the Community Relations Council (CRC) which has awarded £100,000. The remainder of the funding has been raised through a loan via Ulster Community and Investment Trust (UCIT) and The Link Family and Community Centre. Alexander Smith, Joint Director General, International Fund for Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this project which will bring major long term benefits in strengthening and underpinning community life in the area.“The International Fund for Ireland is focused on supporting and enabling community relations and reconciliation. This project is a perfect example of that and will enable The Link Family and Community Centre to expand upon its vital work by providing one central place to undertake all of its core activities.”Jim Dennison, Director of CRC’s European Programme, said: “CRC has been grant aiding The Link Family and Community Centre project though its European funding Programmes for eight years to enable it to undertake its very important, practical and meaningful community work. We are very pleased to have been involved in funding what we believe will be a lasting and sustainable resource to enhance community life and relations in the future.”Congratulating the organisation on its achievements, Jonathan McAlpin, Ulster Community Investment Trust, said: "UCIT is delighted to have its name associated with this impressive project. This will be a wonderful new facility for the area and local people should be rightly proud of the efforts of the Link Family and Community Centre which has been the driving force behind this project.”“This new building will make such a difference to our organisation” said Eric Morrison Chair of The Link. “At present our 11 staff are cramped into two small offices and there is no space for meeting for confidential or management committee business. The limited space restricts the important programmes and activities we run. These new facilities will bring real benefits for the many local people who use our premises and provide space for groups from the local community to meet.”Work has already started on the new building which is expected to be finished in February 2009.

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