Minister Storey hails CRUN’s newCommunity Hub at official opening

Pictured with Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey MLA at the official opening are Ann McNickle (left), Network Manager, Causeway Rural and Urban Network and Mayor Michelle Knight-McQuillan.
Picture: Michael Cooper — Pictured with Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey MLA at the official opening are Ann McNickle (left), Network Manager, Causeway Rural and Urban Network and Mayor Michelle Knight-McQuillan. Picture: Michael Cooper

Funding of £1.8million from the Department for Social Development (DSD) through its Modernisation Fund along with £462,000 funding from the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers (OFMDFM) Social Investment Fund has enabled Causeway Rural and Urban Network to complete this new build.

CRUN is now the landlord of a multi -purpose Community Resource Centre which comprises of over 9,000 square feet of office, retail and conference facilities.

Speaking at the official opening Minister Storey said: “This Community Hub will be an invaluable resource centre and is a welcome boost for the people of this area. Through my Department’s Modernisation Fund, community organisations can benefit financially to help meet the needs of vulnerable members of our society. I welcome the completion of this project as it will further enhance community cohesion and participation.

Pictured with Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey MLA at the official opening are Mayor Michelle Knight-McQuillan (right), Ann McNickle, Network Manager, Causeway Rural and Urban Network and comedian, Tim McGarry. Picture: Michael Cooper

“By targeting resources in a way that has maximum impact, this Community Hub not only delivers the aims of the Modernisation Fund programme but demonstrates it in a practical way.”

CRUN has a database of over 120 groups who avail of their services and is now the largest provider of drug and alcohol education, prevention and training services in the Northern Board area. Over recent years CRUN has provided support services to 12,500 individuals across three Council areas.

Minister Storey added: “Causeway Rural and Urban Network has come along way since its formation in 1999 and I would like to take this opportunity to pay personal tribute and thanks to everyone who has been involved in such a success story.

“It has been very encouraging to see organisations such as CRUN develop and grow and I believe that this project will provide a focal point for the local and voluntary and community sector offering modern accessible services to people throughout Coleraine and the surrounding towns and villages.”

Junior Minister Jennifer McCann said: I wish Causeway Rural and Urban Network every success.”