A multi-million pound funding package released today will benefit groups in the North working to support deprived communities.
Social Development minister Margaret Ritchie unveiled the £7 million funding scheme for Neighbourhood Renewal projects in some of Belfast's most disadvantaged areas.
The money will fund the work of existing groups offering a range of services to communities including health, education and training young people.
"I believe our communities, particularly our most disadvantaged communities, deserve the best possible services to address the inequalities they face," said the minister.
"Even in the current recession, it is no longer good enough to talk about protecting jobs in the community and voluntary sector.
"My focus is squarely on service delivery; people working in community and voluntary organisations need to demonstrate that they also have that sense of purpose."
Ms Ritchie said the funding would support services benefiting disadvantaged communities, with this allocation of funds aimed at groups in Belfast.
"I will continue to invest in the very best targeted services in order to break the cycle of disadvantage," she said.
"The approach I am leading is joined up government at the community level and I will be doing all that I can to ensure that every Department and Agency measures up to the challenge."
PA