A refurbishment project has just been successfully completed with the Social development Minister Alex Attwood officially opening the new-look Orchard Café, a social enterprise and community business, on the Malone Road, Belfast.

The Café, operated by the Orchardville Society, provides adults with learning disabilities work and social skills to help them secure future employment.

The refurbishments, funded through the Department's Modernisation Fund, included improvements to the front of house counter, new contemporary flooring and the purchase of large items of kitchen equipment and appliances and crockery.

SDLP MLA Alex Attwood said: "This is a boost for the Orchardville Society and its community Café. The refurbishment will provide practical assistance to enable this community business to develop further and help vulnerable adults gain life skills and work experience.

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"I am impressed at the support and training that is provided by the Orchard Café. It is a great opportunity for the trainees to get job skills in this busy cafe situated in a vibrant student area," he said.

"The Department’s Modernisation Fund was launched to provide support to organisations throughout Northern Ireland that want to deliver better services to their local communities and to combat social exclusion.

"The Orchardville Society is a prime example of an organisation embracing the ethos of this fund and I commend them.

"I believe that neighbourhood renewal and urban regeneration are and must remain properly funded government interventions. One enhances local communities and its citizens.

"The other enhances town centres, businesses and opportunities for jobs. Both are essential for the regeneration and development of Northern Ireland and its society."

Alan Thompson, Chief Executive of the Orchardville Society, said: "The Orchardville Society established the Orchard Café to give young people with learning difficulties the opportunity to gain new skills and the potential to secure employment.

"The Department for Social Development's Modernisation Fund has enabled us to purchase equipment which has undoubtedly improved the technical training delivered on site."

(BMcC/GK)