Nicholson supports Barnados Project

Margaret Kelly from Barnardo's, Dr B's trainee Colin O'Neill (17), Jim Nicholson MEP, former Dr B's trainee Ciaran Cush ( 18) and Clare McCaughey, Service manager Dr B's.

Following a visit to the Barnardos project Dr. B's Kitchen, in Belfast city centre, Jim Nicholson MEP has praised the staff and young people he met. Dr. B's Kitchen provides training opportunities for young people with a range of learning disabilities.

Mr. Nicholson said, "I am deeply impressed with the ambition and skills of the young people I met at Dr B's Kitchen, and with the commitment of the staff. The project is a good example of how the voluntary sector possesses the skills and values to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people who face particular challenges in entering the workforce.

"Youth unemployment is rising across Europe, while Northern Ireland - like other parts of the UK - has a legacy of unacceptably high levels of young people not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs). My party Leader, Sir Reg Empey, is strongly committed to addressing this issue in his role as Minister for Employment and Learning. The loss to Northern Ireland plc of the talent, ambition and skill of these young people is a social and economic tragedy.

"The role of the European Social Fund in supporting this Barnardos project is vital - and it is a good example of how Europe can make a positive difference on the ground. I look forward to working with Barnardos to ensure that ESF continues to support this and similar projects that offer real hope and opportunity to young people".