NICVA statement on additional funding from Department for Housing, Levelling up and Communities

NICVA Chief Executive Celine McStravick said: “NICVA welcomes the additional funding from the Department for Housing, Levelling up and Communities into our sector at a crucial time. This funding will make a big difference to people’s lives in every community across Northern Ireland, from people with disabilities to young people trying to get into the job market, our sector is there to help and support – and this funding will go some way to helping us to keep doing that.

“However, we need to recognise there is a shortfall and some organisations will miss out – meaning employees will lose their jobs and the people who rely on them will miss out on these vital services.

“The voluntary and community sector deserves better .

“Our sector is telling us they’re angry and frustrated, and we’re here to be their voice but we want to focus on solutions and want to use these recurring crises as an opportunity to rebalance and redefine our relationship with government.

“We need the government to work with us to start thinking long term. We know from experience that without long-term, strategic planning we’ll be right back in this position in a year’s time.

“This goes much further than ESF, this is about us working with our colleagues in government to help Northern Ireland prosper and thrive now, and into the future”.

“Let’s get round the table and work together to make sure the vital services our sector delivers are there for the people who need them most.”