Townsend Street Social Outreach Centre

Public benefits

The purpose of the Centre is to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the Lower Shankill area without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race, political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary and other organizations in a common effort to advance education, health, to

preserve and protect health, to promote the welfare of the aged and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. Direct benefits which flows from the above purpose is the enhancement of the health, well- being and education of the inhabitants by: • Providing or assisting in providing counselling, advice and referral services for the aforesaid families and young persons; • Providing or assisting in securing the provision of social services and educational and recreational facilities within the area of benefit; • Promote activities and co-operate with other organizations in promoting activities; • Co-operate to such an extent as may be necessary with voluntary organizations and statutory authorities engaged in the promotion of the objects or any of them; • Provide or assist in providing classes, meetings and events which would improve the knowledge and skills of the inhabitants of the area; • Promoting and carrying out, or assisting in so doing research, surveys and investigations and publish the useful results of such; • Obtain, collect and receive monies and funds by the way of grants, legacies, donations and any other lawful method provided the no permanent trading activities should be undertaken. The direct benefits can be evidenced through • the feedback from many of the children and young adults who have received support and counselling when struggling in the education system. The Centre has helped bridge the gap between school, community and family. The counselling has resulted in suicide prevention and improved relationships in families where there have been behavioural difficulties. • The centre provides a drop in centre for support and counselling. • The centre provides individual tutoring both in schools and in the centre which results in improved education for each individual. • Young adults are being taught job-skills and preparation of C.Vs in order to improve their lives and welfare. • Children have been helped in attaining the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the John Muir Award for environmental and conservation, resulting in improved life-skills and dignity. • the feedback from children and adults who have attended the recreational activities including dance, gymnastics and exercise classes held within the Centre and regular arranged trips to the cinema and bowling as well as residential trips especially during the summer. • In order to receive the grant from the Educational Authority (formally Belfast Education & Library Board) reports detailing benefits to the community are prepared on a monthly basis as well as numbers of sessions provided and receipts of how the Grant was spent. • The purpose of the Centre does not lead to harm and it ensures that the general public in the form of children, youth and adults benefit by receiving support, counselling, access to activities and training courses. There is no private benefit to Trustees.

What your organisation does

Promotes Social development , education and community health to the wide community without distinction of religious belief.