For the first time, people who spend their time visiting people who have suffered as a result of 'the Troubles' in Fermanagh, will have access to accredited training.

The scheme is the brainchild of the Enniskillen-based Ely Centre, and the South East Fermanagh Foundation, which is based in Lisnaskea.

Lee McDowell, the Centre Co-ordinator with the Ely Centre, explained the idea behind the concept: "Myself and Gordon Black, from the South East Fermanagh Foundation, got together and realised there were a number of groups trying to provide this service, and that not all of them constituted as charities.

So, we got together with Sean Coll from the Western Health and Social Services Trust , and Joan Clements from the Community Relations Council and started looking how we could provide enhance this service."

Mr McDowell explained there are already around 40 people registered to avail of the courses, which are offered by the Institute of Leadership and Management, and will take place at the Ely Centre. The courses are divided into a 'Befriending Outreach' course, and another to train those to co-ordinate the teams to run either over one week, or one weekend.

They will equip people with the skills to deal with people who are suffering from trauma. There will also be training and advice on legal issues regarding the befriending service.

Mr McDowell explained the scheme will be of benefit to the 1000-plus victims of 'the Troubles', from both communities, who live in Fermanagh

The programme is the first of its' kind, aimed at tackling social isolation, to be launched in Northern Ireland.

It is led by the Phoenix Group, which has representations from the UDR, RUC, retired officers, Ulster Special Constabulary,  along with the two Fermanagh groups.

It is expected to become a ground-breaking model, which can be rolled-out across Northern Ireland

Latest research shows 17 percent of over-65's go weekly without contact from friends, family or neighbours.

Project SACRED celebrated its first year with a special awards event for victims and survivors of the troubles and their carers.

The carer respite and training programme, delivered by The Ely Centre, Enniskillen, in partnership with FAIR, Markethill, and funded by the European Union Peace III programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), marked its first year of activity by holding its Carers’ Awards in the Community Relations Council, Moygashel.

The awards, which celebrate and recognise the achievements of project participants, was attended by victims and survivors and their carers, representatives from the SEUPB and Pobal, and FAIR and The Ely Centre.

Mr. Pat Colgan, SEUPB Chief Executive, presented carers with their awards which recognised their success in training courses including first aid, reflexology, peace and reconciliation, personal safety, arts and crafts as well as participation in group discussions and respite trips and activities.

Speaking at the Awards, Andrew McGaffin, SACRED Coordinator, said:

 “The carer awards are an opportunity for us to highlight and recognise the significant, selfless sacrifice and care which is demonstrated so passionately on a daily basis by our members to their dependants.

“Personally I would like to thank Colette Nulty and the staff at POBAL for their help and support over this past year, it has been greatly appreciated.”

Since the launch of SACRED in June 2009, SACRED has enjoyed a successful year, reaching its targets, and at times exceeding them three times over.

John Elliott, SACRED Respite Officer at FAIR, said:

“We are seeing new people join us on a weekly basis. All the staff are delighted and yet very humbled to be trusted by so many people, allowed into and made so welcome in their homes and able to help them in whatever way we can.

“The recruitment of volunteers in the local area has been an immense success,” continued John, “and has forged new friendships in rural areas especially in the South Armagh where many dependants are excluded and often feel forgotten.”

Tracy Armstrong, SACRED Respite Officer at Ely Centre said 

“The role of a carer is so often unnoticed, underestimated and unrewarded. It is carried out through dedication, a genuine love and compassion for their dependant and in some cases, through a lot of personal sacrifice.

“SACRED endeavours to bring rest, enjoyment and friendship to the carers.”

FAIR Director Mr William Frazer said,

 “I wish thank Mr Pat Colgan from SEUPB for his continued support for our project. I would like to thank Andy, John, Tracy and Christina, for making the project such a great success. Finally I want to thank Mr Jim Dixon and Mr Lee McDowell form Ely Centre in Enniskillen for their continued support with the project.

“We at FAIR identified this need and it is extremely satisfying seeing our plans becoming a reality and doing so well. The people of South Armagh and border areas have suffered at the hands of terrorists for decades, and we are only too glad to be able to offer these services to try and ease the great burden and turmoil they face on a daily basis, and long may it continue.”