Funding cut leads to Fermanagh Women’s Aid losing key worker

CUTS to funding means Fermanagh Women’s Aid is to lose one of its highly respected staff members later this year.

The end of grant funding has resulted in the loss of two posts for Fermanagh Women’s Aid.

Michelle Alfonso (left), a training coordinator with the organisation, is well known across the county having delivered domestic violence training to various sectors right across Fermanagh.

Mary Mccann, Chief Executive of Fermanagh Women’s Aid, has reassured service users that they will still be supported by Fermanagh Women’s Aid as the service changes.

Mrs. Mccann said: “As I approach retirement at the end of May 2024, the loss of our Training Coordinator Michelle Alfonso weighs heavily on me and on Fermanagh Women’s Aid.

“For almost nine years, she has steadfastly supported women in groups and has delivered a suite of tailored training across our community.

“From PSNI to pharmacies, church leaders and hairdressers, she has consistently worked to ensure a robust community response to Domestic Violence and the promotion of our work.

“Our services are changing but we will still ensure that women and children are supported and will have access to a range of tailored supports. We wish Michelle well in the future and know that the work she has done here in Fermanagh leaves a lasting legacy. We will miss her terribly.”

Currently, Fermanagh Women’s Aid services are 58 per cent funded through short to medium-term grant funding and community fundraising.

42 per cent of services are funded through supporting people and the Western Health and Social Care Trust. This is the only statutory funding received by Fermanagh Women’s Aid.

Mrs. Mccann concluded: “Long-term funding models supported by all the relevant departments are necessary to plan service provision and meet the needs of women, children and young people subjected to domestic and sexual violence.”