In the late 1970s lone parents from the Suffolk area of Belfast and also from Cookstown, Co Tyrone, met in order to form a support network. The groups considered a number of options for their embryonic organisation. After looking at a number of groups working with lone parents they agreed the ethos of Gingerbread England largely mirrored what they wanted to achieve. As a result the two groups decided to form a sister network in Northern Ireland and adopted and adapted many of Gingerbread's aims and objectives resulting in Gingerbread NI.
The first office was opened above Ballynafeigh Community House, 291 Ormeau Road, Belfast in 1978. The office had two rooms accommodating just two members of staff and a number of volunteers. Over the next few years, Gingerbread developed rapidly. The need for a lone parent organisation was apparent from the outset consequently, in 1982 new, larger premises were required and these were found at 171 University Street. This site served as Gingerbread's Central Office for the following six years.
The demand for Gingerbread's services determined the organisation's rapid growth during the early stages. The commitment, voluntary effort and active participation of its membership gave the organisation dynamism and acted as a catalyst for its development and consequent growth.
Over the next few years Gingerbread developed a range of services to help meet the needs of lone parents. These included advice and training as well as support groups. The growing number of staff, together with the increased services, meant Gingerbread outgrew its accommodation at 171 and in the late 1980s purchased the large Victorian house next door, 169 University St. The building was considerably larger but required extensive renovation and refurbishment. Once completed, Gingerbread moved into the site in 1989, which remains the organisation's Central Office.
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