Newington Day Centre (NDC) today opened new facilities thanks to over £280,000 from the Department for Social Development (SDS).

NDC provides support services for older people and carers across the local community in North Belfast, including daily meals and a range of social, occupational and therapeutic activities.

A total of £286,000 has been provided by DSD’s Belfast Regeneration Office, to build a new Reminiscence and Learning Centre incorporating a training facility, resource centre and dedicated office accommodation. The Reminiscence Centre is designed to enable people who are older to recall their life history and bygone days. This is achieved through staff, carers and volunteers using artefacts such as pictures of school days, wedding days and background family details to stimulate memories. It is anticipated that such activities will help encourage awareness and improve self-esteem.

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Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie commented: "Newington Day Centre already provides vital and varied services to local people in the area. I am sure that the new facilities will be a further asset to the older people, carers and volunteers who use the Centre."

(JM)