A decision to remove vital funding from the Newry Gateway Club has been reversed.
The Club, which has offered people with Down’s Syndrome and learning difficulties a social outlet for more than half a century, had been told that funding to the tune of £10,000 was being withdrawn by the Southern Trust due to budgetary pressures.
It was not to be renewed from April 2025.
However, due to the public outcry and, according to the Gateway Club’s chairman Paddy Duffy, the efforts of MLAs Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin) and Justin McNulty (SDLP) that decision has been “reversed”.
Ms Kimmins said: “I am delighted to receive confirmation from Newry Gateway that the Trust’s shock decision to withdraw funding from the organisation for 2025 has now been reversed.
“This is a very welcome development, and is a huge relief for the club’s members and their families, as well as the dedicated staff and volunteers.
“Newry Gateway Club has been an institution in Newry for over 50 years, and I am really pleased they will now be able to continue their fantastic work in the time ahead.”
A spokesperson for the Southern Trust told Armagh I: “The Southern HSC Trust recognises the valuable contribution of Newry and Down Gateway Club and has engaged further with the organisation to assure of no service impact in year.”
Armagh I has asked for further clarity on the funding issue.
