Launch of new project to help older people

Omagh Volunteer Centre has been awarded a grant of £455,851.76 by the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a new project, ‘Beyond the Call’ for older people aged 60 and over living in the areas of Omagh, Fermanagh and Strabane.

Beyond the Call is a partnership project between Omagh Volunteer Centre and Strabane Community Project building on the success of their original project ‘The B-friend Hub’, and feedback from older people, volunteers and the wider community.

Beyond the Call will offer a range of tailored services including telephone, home and buddy befriending, information, signposting and connecting to local activities and services, events, community-based training as well as a variety of volunteering opportunities.

The official launch of the project took place on Thursday, October 6 at Mahon’s Hotel, Irvinestown where Monica Coyle, Chairperson of Omagh Volunteer Centre thanked the National Lottery Community Fund once again for a further significant injection of funding for the continued delivery of services needed to enhance the lives of older people across the areas.

Tackling isolation

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director, The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are delighted to fund Beyond The Call to help reduce loneliness and isolation and make a positive difference to many older people’s lives.

“I’d like to congratulate Omagh Volunteer Centre staff and volunteers on this, and we look forward to hearing about the difference this project will make over th

Speaking after the event, project client Tommy Mcdermott said: “It was wonderful to attend this very special event and I am very happy that the support from the B-friend Hub team will continue as I would be lost without them.”

Officially launching the new project, which coincides with Positive Ageing Month, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chairperson Councillor Barry Mcelduff congratulated Omagh Volunteer Centre on securing the further funding to support older people across the district, thanked all of the volunteers and wished continued success to everyone involved.

For more information about all the services offered by Beyond the Call, and the volunteering opportunities please contact Geraldine Keys, Project Manager at managergk@omaghvolunteercentre.org or please telephone 028 8224 0772.

This vital project could not be delivered without the support of the National Lottery Players.

Pictured at the launch of Beyond The Call Project are front from left, Tommy Mcdermott, Client and Susie Mcmonagle, Client. Back from left, Barry Mcelduff, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Martin Cassidy, OVC; Michelle Mcrory, Manager OVC; Rita O’loughlin, BTC; Helen Hill, National Lottery Community Fund; Monica Coyle, Chairperson OVC; Geraldine Keys Manager BTC; Carol Conway, OVC and Micky Cooke, BTC.