Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chair celebrates 25th anniversary of Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, hosted a reception on Friday 14 November 2025 at the Grange Council Offices, Omagh to mark the 25th Anniversary of Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group.

Speaking at the event, Chair of the Council, Councillor Barry McElduff said:

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Grange, Omagh for this reception to mark the 25th anniversary of Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group.

Established in 1998 by Rose Kelly as the Women’s Ethnic Group, this group evolved into the Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group as a broader ethnic support organisation. Over the years, the group has been guided by dedicated chairpersons including Vida Lake, Dominic Pinto, and currently Jimmy Law.

Today, it proudly operates with three full-time staff and a committed team of volunteers, continuing its mission to promote inclusion, provide support, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that empowers our community.

Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group is committed to building a community where everyone is respected and treated equally, regardless of their background, language, or identity. Their work encourages cultural exchange to enrich our shared environment, and promotes integration between new residents and the local community. Through capacity building and anti-racism initiatives, Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for all.

At the heart of Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group is its advice and drop-in centre, open Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 5:00. The organisation also offers vital support with social entitlements, healthcare, benefits, and immigration issues, including help with documentation and residency status through accredited advisors. A dedicated team of three trained advisors also provides interpreting services, ensuring everyone can access the support they need with confidence.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to improving the lives and wellbeing of our communities and organisations like Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group help us to achieve this commitment. The group has assisted individuals with tireless dedication, a strong sense of community, and the power of kindness.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to thank everyone involved in Omagh Ethnic Community Support Group – thank you for your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. Here’s to the next twenty-five years of compassion, progress, and support for those who need it most.