New £200k project to support refugees

FUNDING of close to £200,000 has been secured for a new project that will provide support for refugees living within the Fermanagh and Omagh district. A total of £199,503.24 from the National Lottery Community Fund will enable refugees to face the challenges of building a new life in rural Northern Ireland.

John McKinney, of Omagh Community House, said the project, called ‘New Communities, New Beginnings’, will work with the refugee community locally to provide practical and emotional support, facilitate integration and encourage them to be self-supporting.

Mr McKinney said, “We are delighted to take the lead on this project and help facilitate our new members make this their home.”

A new integrated hub recognising the unique vulnerabilities of the newest communities to settle within the district will be set up to support this.

A development officer and part-time support worker will devise and develop a programme incorporating a wide range of supports, such as advice, signposting, workshops, mentoring, referrals and reassurances.

Working in partnership with statutory bodies and community leaders, the hub, operating from the premises of Omagh Community House, with outreach in Fermanagh House Enniskillen, shall endeavour to develop capacity within the refugee community, while developing an understanding of Arab culture and traditions ensuring a deeper level of understanding within the wider community.

Covid-19 has had an impact on the refugee community, leaving them feeling isolated and vulnerable during these very uncertain times. Many have fled their homes due to war, leaving everything behind them meaning that many refugees arrived traumatised and confused, while finding it difficult to settle into a new culture and community. Despite the warm welcome from the local council and community, the restrictions have narrowed the opportunities to integrate and start the process of belonging. This welcome funding will now allow for this to happen.

The project’s development officer, Mary Lafferty, said, “A lot of work was undertaken by the Fermagh and Omagh District Council Community Support throughout the restrictions trying to support the new arrivals in the district.

“At the start of the pandemic, the stress and upheaval for everyone was enormous, and for the refugees without knowledge of our society, nor language skills it was a particular hardship.

“Now, as restrictions relax, it is important that we support our newest community to adapt to their new lives here and that the host communities get to know and understand their new Arab neighbours and the diversity they bring to the region.”