Council Chair hosts reception to recognise 50th Anniversary of the Samaritans of Omagh.

Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Shirley Hawkes, hosted a reception on Wednesday 24 September at the Grange Council Offices, to acknowledge 50 years of the Samaritans of Omagh.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Shirley Hawkes said,
‘As Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to join you all here in the Grange, Omagh, for this reception to mark the 50th anniversary of Samaritans of Omagh.

Samaritans is a unique charity, dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection. Every four minutes, a Samaritan in the North of Ireland answers a call for help. These volunteers are the heart of this organisation. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering a supportive voice and listening ear without any judgement.

The journey of the Omagh branch began in a modest building on the main street of Omagh. However, thanks to a generous private donation, the branch moved to its current home in Campsie Crescent in 2009. This premises was opened by the Duchess of Abercorn, herself a former volunteer.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and offer a heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, past and present, who devoted their time and support to this organisation. You are the steady voices of calm that bring kindness to those who need it most. You have answered calls late at night, offered comfort in times of personal crisis, and echoed the powerful reminder that people don’t have to face their struggles alone. The impact of your work is profound.

Over the years, countless individuals have generously given their time to the Samaritans. Among them, I’d like to remember Father George, a key member of the working party of the original Samaritans. Tonight, we are also especially proud to recognise the work of three extraordinary women whose service spans over four decades:

• Edith Hadden, a founding member, who has given 50 years of service.
• Brenda Corry, with 46 years of service.
• Moira Cox, also with 46 years of service.

Your commitment to helping others is nothing short of inspirational. Thank you for your invaluable service to our community you can be assured that you have made real and lasting difference in the lives of many.

With eight branches across the North of Ireland Samaritans remains a vital lifeline to those in need. Tonight, however, we want to shine the spotlight on Omagh, a branch that has stood strong for half a century, offering comfort, connection, and care. It’s truly remarkable that some volunteers travel nearly 80 miles round trip to do their shift. This level of commitment is remarkable and serves as a powerful reminder of the selfless nature of a Samaritan.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to every volunteer, past and present, thank you for 50 years of listening. Though years have passed, at its core, the mission of the Samaritans remains the same – to be there for anyone who needs to talk.