Council Chair voices support for the work of Fermanagh Women’s Aid

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie, paid a visit to Fermanagh Women’s Aid recently to learn at first hand how the current restrictions have impacted on the need for the services which the group provide.

Speaking about her visit, Councillor Currie said “It saddens me that there is a need for the service at all, and during these most challenging of times, it is heartbreaking to learn that these services are needed now more than ever. We have all read of the upsurge in domestic violence over the last few weeks, and the current lockdown restrictions have exacerbated an already serious problem. I would like to commend the staff for their tremendous commitment and dedication and I am delighted that the Council, through the provision of funding, has been able to support the much needed work of the group in a tangible way.”

Fermanagh Women’s Aid  received funding through the Council’s Covid-19 Community Fund to support its services during this difficult time and has used the funding to upgrade its mobile phone technology to enable the staff to work remotely.

A spokesperson for Fermanagh Women’s Aid said ‘We are extremely grateful to the Council for the grant aid. Our staff are now in a position to continue to communicate and engage with women and children (both existing service users and new referrals) via text, phone, and video call when safe to do so, ensuring that we can provide crisis intervention and meet their support needs during this difficult time’.

In line with government advice, the offices of Fermanagh Women’s Aid  are currently closed. However, staff continue to work from home and anyone requiring information or support can access services by telephone on 028 6632 8898, Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4pm.