Rural communities at heart of Omagh Forum’s annual gathering

OMAGH Forum for Rural Associations has celebrated another productive year, bringing community representatives and local service providers together to share ideas, discuss challenges and explore opportunities to strengthen rural communities

.The organisation held its 36th Annual General Meeting and Networking Event at Greencastle Community Centre last week, highlighting the vital role of community groups in supporting people across the Fermanagh and Omagh area.

Chairperson Gerry McCaffrey and Network Manager Mary T Conway reviewed the Forum’s work over the past financial year, reflecting on the challenges facing rural communities, including access to services, the rising cost of living and social isolation.

The event also provided an opportunity to showcase Greencastle Community Centre, a newly built facility made possible primarily through local fundraising efforts. Featuring a sensory room, a Changing Places room, a reception area and kitchen and serving facilities connected to the main community hall, the centre was recognised as an excellent example of community-led development providing valuable facilities for local people.

Frankie Bradley and Colly McCullagh outlined the demanding fundraising and capital development journey behind the project, demonstrating the commitment and determination required to bring the ambitious development to fruition.

Council chairwoman, Debbie Coyle, welcomed attendees to the gathering, which featured a series of informative presentations focusing on community resilience, ageing well and improving access to support in rural areas.

Samantha Gallagher, from the Rural Community Network, spoke about civil contingencies and the importance of community infrastructure in everyday life. She encouraged groups to consider how prepared their communities would be to respond to emergencies, including storms, flooding, power cuts and civil unrest.

Her presentation highlighted the importance of having strong local networks and facilities that can help communities prepare for and respond to unexpected events.

Allison Forbes, from South West Age Partnership (SWAP), outlined her work and the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Age Friendly Strategy, with a particular focus on helping people to age well across the district. With one in five people now aged 65 or over, and increasing numbers living with long-term conditions, the needs of older people are becoming increasingly prominent.

Ms Forbes highlighted how caring responsibilities, the cost of living and social isolation are closely interconnected, with distance from services, bereavement and the demands of caring often adding to the difficulties experienced by older people and their families.

She also outlined the wide range of programmes delivered by SWAP and the opportunities offered through the council’s Age Friendly Strategy 2026-2030 to support people to live well as they grow older.

Frances Spence, from Fermanagh Rural Community Network, introduced the new Hear and Here programme, which aims to support community navigators across the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.

The community-led, volunteer-based initiative is designed to help people in rural communities access advice and support at an early stage, before difficulties escalate into crisis.

The programme will train trusted members of local communities to act as a first point of contact, helping people identify appropriate sources of assistance and navigate the support available to them.

The networking event also featured a variety of information stands, giving community groups the opportunity to learn more about the services and initiatives available locally.

Among those taking part was the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT), which engaged with attendees on its Health Care Futures work for the Fermanagh and West Tyrone area.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for community representatives and service providers to exchange information, build connections and explore ways to work together to meet the needs of rural residents.

Omagh Forum for Rural Associations thanked everyone who attended the AGM and contributed information and advice to the groups present.

The AGM thanked Greencastle Community Association for hosting the event and providing excellent hospitality.