By Iain Gray
UUP Westminster candidate Tim Collins says he’s been impressed by the support local community groups give, after visiting Bangor’s Kilcooley housing estate.
The North Down MP hopeful recently stopped in with Kilcooley Women’s Centre and Bangor Alternatives, hearing about the work both organisations do with estate residents.
“I was amazed at how both community groups have made such an incredible contribution to the lives of people in North Down and I pay tribute to the great work they do on behalf of our community,” he said.
“With the ongoing cost of living crisis, the need for Kilcooley Women’s Centre has sadly never been greater; however, it was encouraging to see the broad range of services offered including education, health and wellbeing, as well as friendship and support.
“The centre offers a wide range of support and services, including financial management and childcare while mums take personal time to write CVs, learn a new skill, or apply for jobs. I pay tribute to Alison Blayney and her team for the work they do.”
The centre’s recent creation of a social supermarket also impressed Mr Collins, who said he particularly admired the supermarket’s focus on the dignity of its users.
“The social supermarket allows people to pick their own food, in their own time, and tailor their choices to their family’s needs; if this facility wasn’t available, many would really struggle,” he stated.
The candidate added that he’s concerned by the potential risk to community groups from the current public spending squeeze, and pledged to help secure funding for both the women’s centre and Bangor Alternatives.
Ards and North Down Alternatives manager Pete Wray, who is also a UUP councillor, said it was an honour to welcome Mr Collins to Kilcooley.
“We spoke with him about restorative justice and how we use restorative practices in schools and in the community,” he said.
“Tim understood the value of our work, particularly around supporting young people to meet their full potential and become leaders for change within their community.”
Mr Collins also met with the PSNI to discuss local policing priorities, including the issue of criminals feeding off those with financial problems.
