Annual Report 22/23
Since the last report, there has been good progress within the group. Following securing our community let at 24 Abbot Drive, we are pleased to report that footfall is steadily increasing. At present, there are several advice surgeries in the office. Some of which include housing and councillor surgeries.
This year we marked the coronation of His Majesty the King. The community came together to celebrate a fantastic day of family celebrations. This was a huge success and we are grateful to Ards and North Down Borough Council for assisting us with funding. In terms of funding, we are extremely grateful to NIHE for continuing to fund us through their Small Pockets of Deprivation funding. This funding is crucial as we could not run without it. We are also thankful to our community cohesion officer for supporting our Christmas projects.
Special thanks to Cash for Kids for their continued support by providing us with toys for our most vulnerable children. The work the Cash for Kids team does each year cannot measured in value as it is simply priceless.
Our community police officers continue to engage with the youth and facilitate several trips and programmes. We thank them for their dedication to our community and we are grateful for the positive working relationship we have with them.
The Warehouse in Newtownards has continued to provide support over the Christmas period. The Warehouse is a wonderful organisation that serves the whole of Ards and North Down. Their support is invaluable to the group.
Special thanks to the local businesses who continue to provide us with donations for our projects.
Special thanks to North Down Community Assistance who continue to facilitate the groups cultural expression grant. This year, the local community opted for a beacon as
opposed to a traditional bonfire. We are pleased to report this was a success and will continue in future years.
To summarize, from the last Annual Report, the group has continued to build and maintain positive relationships with our funders and statutory agencies.