Whiterock Creche Association
£25,000
Founded in 1988 as a creche at the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education, Whiterock Creche Association (WCA) has developed into a thriving community facility. Unique to West Belfast, the largest designated area of social need in Northern Ireland, WCA offers a range of services, including childcare, learning and recreational opportunities and access to mainstream services.
Over the past few years a growing number of migrant workers have come to West Belfast. WCA's Integrated Communities Project, funded by the Foundation for one year, is one of the few initiatives addressing their day-to-day needs.
With a grant of £25,000 WCA has employed an inter-cultural outreach worker to expand and consolidate its links with relevant statutory and voluntary organisations. A two-way system of referrals now exists between WCA and the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Belfast Institute of Further Education, the Belfast Multi-cultural Centre and Belfast Councils Health and Social Services. Other services include family learning, cooking, crafts, music and reading assessment.
