28/06/2001

FIRST ‘ONE’ OF ITS KIND CENTRE OPENS

THOUSANDS of people are set to benefit from a radical new ‘ONE’ service which will deliver benefits, training and employment to Dungannon and its surrounding districts.

The ONE service will, for the first time, see government agencies working with community based organisations, to provide an unprecedented level of jobs, training and benefit support for the Dungannon community, through the ‘one stop shop’ approach.

The pilot service was officially launched by the Minister for Social Development, Maurice Morrow and Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, on Thursday, June 28.

Speaking at the official opening of the centre, the two Ministers said that the overall objective of ONE is to help people gain independence by providing advice and support on both benefit and work related issues, through work for those who can, and security for those who cannot. The initiative would also bring about a much-improved service for people within the local community, through innovative partnerships and technology.

Praising the introduction of the new service Mr Morrow said: "The ONE pilot will form the basis of the government’s welfare reform proposals in Northern Ireland. It is very much the blueprint for the future – bringing together all the services offered by the Training and Employment Agency’s Jobcentre and the local Social Security office.”

Other selective services from the Child Support Agency, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Rate Collection Agency and the Inland Revenue, will also be incorporated into the ONE Service. (MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 February 2024
Tourism NI Launch New 'Get Into Tourism' Training Course
Tourism NI has announced the launch of a new accredited training course, designed to encourage people to 'Get Into Tourism'. The organisation has teamed up with Belfast Metropolitan College to deliver the free Level 2 City and Guilds qualifications.
16 October 2008
Thousands Aided By Benefit Take-Up Campaign
Thousands of people in NI are now likely to be better off after being offered a full benefit assessment to identify additional benefits they should be claiming.
14 October 2011
Benefit Frauds 'Jailed' For False Claims
Three benefit frauds from across NI have been handed down gaol sentences for defrauding the Government of money to which they were not entitled. James Logue (45) of Main Street, Castlederg was convicted at Strabane Magistrates' court after he claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,057 by making a false statement of occupation.
05 February 2015
Law Centre (NI) Welcomes Crisis Fund For Migrants
The Law Centre (NI) has welcomed the decision by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to implement a Crisis Fund for destitute asylum seekers and migrants. The OFMDFM has appointed the Red Cross to deliver the programme.
07 August 2013
Six Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
Six people have been convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. 30-year-old Isaiah Harbison of Hallidays Road, Belfast, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £4,777 while still working. He has been sentenced to 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34.