Northern Ireland Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie has paid tribute to the work of Ramona House, a project in Omagh for people suffering from alcohol related problems.

During a visit to the project, the Minister learned about the programmes in place to help residents move back into independent living.

Ms Ritchie said: "The New Housing Agenda is all about delivering opportunity and choice for all members of society. I want to do all I can to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community have the same chances in life as everyone else.

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"That is why a project like this is so important. The work being done here is a very real example of opportunity for all being put into practice."

The Minister heard from users of the service about how the support provided by the voluntary and statutory sectors had helped them through a difficult period in their life.

A total of eight long and short stay beds are funded jointly by the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Supporting People Programme administered by the Housing Executive. A detox facility is also provided.

Minister Ritchie commended the multi-disciplinary approach and added: "I am encouraged that we are doing the right things, putting resources into the right areas and most importantly, making a difference."

(PR/JM)