During a visit to WOMEN'STEC at Duncairn Gardens the minister saw at first hand the work of the centre, which trains women in non-traditional skills with the aim of helping them into secure employment sectors such as construction and IT.

The Minister called in on training classes and met some of the students completing the programmes provided. She said: "I very much welcome the opportunity to meet the staff and students at WOMEN'STEC. They are an active organisation who are making a real difference to their community in North Belfast.

"It has been a pleasure for me to meet women who are learning new skills, enhancing their employment prospects and making plans to secure the best possible future for themselves and their families.

"Neighbourhood Renewal is about tackling the root causes of disadvantage that affect the life chances of many people. It is also about joining up the Government's response in meeting those needs. WOMEN'STEC is a good example of how that can work in practice."

This project is supported through the Department for Social Development's Neighbourhood Renewal funding in partnership with the Department of Employment and Learning and European Structural Funds.

Click here for link to DSD Latest News - Report on Margaret Richie's Visit to WOMEN'STEC