Council Chair hosts reception to celebrate 50th Anniversary of Community Advice Fermanagh

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Barry McElduff, recently hosted a reception at the Townhall, Enniskillen to recognise the 50th anniversary of Community Advice Fermanagh.

Speaking at the event the Chair said;

“As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all to Enniskillen Townhall for this reception marking the significant milestone of the 50th Anniversary of Community Advice Fermanagh.

Fermanagh Citizens Advice Bureau was established in 1976 with five volunteer workers, later employing paid staff from 1989 through the ACE Scheme. Over the years, the service has operated from seven locations and has been based in Fermanagh House for the past 20 years.

The organisation has grown significantly, particularly from 1992 with increased Council and charitable funding. Demand has risen from 2,033 enquiries in 1989 – 1990 to 11,407 issues handled for 2,900 clients in 2025/26. It has evolved from a general advice service into a specialist organisation, working in partnership with around 30 local groups.

As a core funder of advice services, the Council is proud to support the valuable work of Community Advice Fermanagh and the significant contribution it makes to our local communities. Through its services, the organisation helps to address issues such as poverty, access to entitlements, and financial hardship, ensuring that people can access the guidance and support they need to improve their circumstances and wellbeing.

Funding has played a vital role in this development, supporting rural outreach from 1996, key projects in 1998 including Money Advice and Disability Advocacy, and continued outreach and migrant support between 2010 – 2013. More recently, the Pensionwise Project, introduced in 2015/16, continues to provide valuable monthly appointments.

In 2018, following the collapse of Citizens Advice Northern Ireland, local bureaus, including Fermanagh, rebranded under Advice NI. Despite the name change, services continued, maintaining essential support for the community.

This success is built on the dedication and commitment of staff, past and present, whose professionalism, positivity, and passion have made a lasting difference. Through your work, you have empowered individuals with knowledge and confidence, helping them to make informed decisions at some of the most challenging times in their lives.

The group have asked me to keep in our thoughts Andy Murie of the Belleek Hub, who sadly passed away in March this year, and to remember his family during this time.

At Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, we are committed to supporting safe, thriving, and resilient communities. Community Advice Fermanagh plays an important role in achieving that vision, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements here today.

On behalf of the Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate Community Advice Fermanagh on 50 years of outstanding service. Your work continues to have a meaningful impact across our community, and I look forward to seeing it grow and succeed for many years to come.”