Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and Health Minister Michael McGimspey officially opened FASA last week
New look FASA building opens
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The Forum for Action on Substance Abuse, FASA, officially opened on the
Shankill Road last week.
Previously located on the Woodvale Road the new building on the Shankill
Road will enable FASA to deliver its services more effectively by providing
suitable accommodation such as private rooms for counselling and other
therapies.
FASA delivers services on issues relating to alcohol, drugs and other
substance misuse, as well as suicide and self harm, across Northern Ireland,
focusing primarily on west and north Belfast.
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and Health Minister Michael
McGimpsey showed a cross ministerial approach to the important community
resource by both being present at the opening.
Speaking at the event Ms Ritchie said: “My department has been able to
provide nearly £356,000 through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund to
purchase and refurbish these premises.
“That money has enabled FASA to design the interior of this building so that
they can provide a top quality service to everyone.
“It’s a real privilege to be able to visit an example of the work made
possible by collaboration between the Department of Health, Social Services
and Public Safety and my department, in supporting a priority community
need.”
Mr McGimpsey added: “I want to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of
all the individuals, and community and voluntary organisation, such as FASA,
who work in the substance misuse and suicide prevention fields.
“They perform very difficult and emotionally draining jobs, often with
little recognition or reward, but they can have a real impact on the lives
of some of the most vulnerable and at risk people in our society, and help
to make our communities better places to live.”
Anne Bill, executive director of FASA, said: “This joint ministerial
approach to open this valuable community resource reinforces our concept of
integrated work at a community level.”
FASA takes a holistic approach to addressing issues for individuals,
families and communities.
