Allister visits Hope Centre
29 January 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has paid a constituency visit to the Hope Centre, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Ballymena. The visit came at the invitation of staff who were keen to demonstrate the work they are involved in.
The Hope Centre was set up 10 years ago to provide support for parents of drug users, and to assist persons with alcohol and drug problems to beat their addictions.
Commenting on his visit, Mr Allister said,
“Drug and alcohol abuse, regrettably, is a major problem in Ballymena and in Northern Ireland as a whole. The Hope Centre provides a number of important roles, in warning schoolchildren of the dangers of drugs, as well as providing direct support to people with addiction problems, and their families.”
“The Hope Centre is regarded by the Probation Service and a number of other Government agencies as an effective resource in helping people fight addiction. However, I was concerned to learn that the extensive use made by Government of the Centre’s facilities is not translating into anywhere near the level of funding needed to maintain the current level of service.
I have committed to explore a number of possible funding avenues, which I hope will result in an adequately funded resource for the future.”
ENDS
