Bridge Partnership Supports District’s Social Economy ::

Over 40 representatives from local regeneration companies, statutory bodies and community groups gathered at the Civic Building today for the launch of The Bridge Partnership’s (Banbridge District Local Strategy Partnership Limited) Social Economy Programmes. Supported by funding from the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) under Measure 3.1 ‘Local Economic Initiatives for Developing the Social Economy’, these two Programmes will deliver a financial package worth £320,000 to support projects with a social economy focus within the Banbridge District area. Applications are now welcome from organisations seeking funding for such projects.

The Bridge Partnership’s Programme Manager, Elaine Gillespie and Secretary, Liam Hannaway, are joined by Rosalind Henry from Venture to launch the Partnership’s Social Economy Programmes.

Liam Hannaway, Secretary of The Bridge Partnership stated, “Having commissioned an audit of Banbridge District’s social economy sector, the findings revealed many gaps in terms of geographic area, sector, type of organisation where there is little or no activity. The Bridge Partnership hopes to support future projects particularly by prioritising those areas most in need of social economy development. Additionally, we hope to strengthen our local social economy sector by promoting the concept more widely, providing training and support for the existing and potential social economy as well as developing new and existing projects.”

The Social Economy Capital Programme will provide £250,000 in capital support for regeneration projects, which involve the refurbishment of derelict property that will have a social and an economic function. The Social Economy ICT Programme will provide £80,000 in capital support towards social economy linked ICT projects (Information and Communication Technology) facilities upgrades, improved networking and provision of equipment and software. Special consideration will be given to projects, which improve facilities to ensure disabled access.

It is estimated that there are currently 45 organisations throughout the District, which are engaged in social economic activity. Almost 30% of these provide childcare, 25% are either involved with regeneration or are charity-trading arms.

The Bridge Partnership invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced organisations or groups with ideas for projects for either of these two Programmes. The closing date for completed applications is Friday 27 June 2003.