The Link Family and Community Centre came into being in January 1997 as an initiative of one Presbyterian Church in Regent Street, Newtownards. A group of local people attending this church wanted to make a response to the needs of the area at the time; underage drinking, lack of somewhere for young people to go, loneliness and a high incidence of teenage pregnancy.

Eleven years on The Link has become an interdenominational project and an independent community development organisation with its management committee involving people from across the community and its volunteers drawn from around twenty churches. Since its small beginnings, in a small coffee bar drop-in based in commercial premises on one of the town’s main business thoroughfares, The Link has expanded the range and scope of its work aimed at bringing about positive change and growth in human lives so that ‘the community of Ards would love God and love their neighbours as they love themselves.’

The stated ethos of The Link encourages people to have a healthy self-regard and to seek the well being of others. It promotes equal opportunity and good community relations. Community Development principles both form the cornerstone of its work, services and facilities and underpin its ‘determination to ensure that involvement in the organisation is a positive and enjoyable experience for all.’

Newsletter: Issue 23 Available