Members of  The Ely Centre who served alongside the Gurkhas in the British Army have brought their plight to the attention of the group. These brave men who over the years have lost over 43,000 colleagues are being denied the right to live in the United Kingdom a country they gave their all for. Their dedication, professionalism and bravery is easily demonstrated by the VCs and other medals they won.

A group of carers and the people they care for participated in a personal safety workshop at The Ely Centre, Enniskillen, thanks to the centre’s carers’ project, SACRED.

Project SACRED, delivered in partnership with victims group FAIR, Markethill, and supported by the EU funded PEACE III Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, organises respite activities and training opportunities for carers of victims and survivors of the troubles and the people they care for.

During the workshop, Constable Hazel Gray, PSNI Crime Prevention Officer, highlighted tactics used by bogus callers and thieves in the real and online world. Constable Gray also explained how to improve personal safety and increase the security of peoples’ homes and possessions.

Speaking after the workshop, SACRED Respite Coordinator, Tracy Armstrong, said:

“All our members thoroughly enjoyed the personal safety workshop. It was both interesting and informative with people learning how and where to report suspicious activity and how to check callers at the door are who they say they are.

“We would like to extend our thanks to Hazel and the PSNI for delivering such a worthwhile workshop and taking the time to answer our questions and offer advice.”

Over the coming months Project SACRED participants will have the opportunity to further develop their confidence and skills with the roll out of mediation, communication and counselling skills training, reflexology training, Peace and Reconciliation activities and participate in respite breaks.

To find out more about Project SACRED or activities at The Ely Centre please call 028 6632 0977.