Voluntary and community organisations provide vital services and bridge divides among race, religion and political opinion that political processes can sometimes find difficult to do.

This is according to the Minister for Social Development, Maurice Morrow who was speaking at the headquarters of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) in Belfast, during a consultation seminar on 'Partners For Change', the Government’s draft strategy to support the voluntary and community sectors.

Addressing an audience, including representatives from voluntary and community groups, churches, district councils, local partnerships, health and social service trusts and government departments, the Minister said: "This consultation document, which was drawn up in collaboration with the sector, is the start of a new way of working which will help to move us to a situation where voluntary and community groups are not just stakeholders to be kept informed, but full partners, seen as crucial to the success of economic and social regeneration.

"The sector is an indispensable partner to Government and working together in a practical way can make a bigger difference to individuals, families and communities throughout Northern Ireland." (CD)