Hamilton welcomes opening of new centre for disabled in South Belfast

Health Minister Simon Hamilton has welcomed the opening of a new resource centre and said it will contribute to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

The Minister was speaking as he opened the Cedar Foundation Regional Resource Centre in South Belfast. Known as ‘Ravenhill Reach’, the centre has been comprehensively redeveloped as a regional and local hub of services that enable people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of community life.

Services are centred around the individual needs of each person and are delivered throughout Northern Ireland. The Centre supports children and adults with disabilities, brain injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and long-term health conditions.

During his tour of the centre, the Minister met with service users and their carers. He said: “Today I have seen at first hand the good work that the Cedar Foundation does and how this work contributes to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

“I have met children, young people and their carers who have told me about the invaluable help and support they have received from Ravenhill Reach and the Cedar Foundation.

“I also met members of the Cedar User Forum who work in partnership with HSC Trusts and it is clear how important this forum is to ensure that people with disabilities have a voice”.

The opening begins a year of celebration to mark the Cedar Foundation’s 75th Anniversary.