Since coming to work in the Greater Shankill area in 1993, I have believed in the ability of the Greater Shankill Partnership's regeneration strategy to target health and social need and in turn impact upon the deprivation of the area. My appointment as the Director of the Early Years Project in November 1995 provided me with an opportunity to play an even more active role in the strategy development. I believe that the Early Years Project is central to the success of the strategy.

From that one woman organization in November '95 the Project has seen massive growth. We have a quota of 88 staff employed directly in the Project more making this organization the third largest employer in the Greater Shankill area and offering excellent terms and conditions of employment.

All of the staff are employed on two year renewable contracts for the term of the Project's funding and are entitled to generous annual leave allowances, occupational sickness pay and subsidized day care for their children.

Maureen Dunwoody
Project Director