Omagh charity ‘equipped for future’ thanks to funding boost

AN Omagh charity, which three years ago feared for its future due to drastic funding cuts, has received vital support in the form of a £372,000 boost from the National Lottery’s Community Fund.

Now in its 11th year, Support2Gether will use the money to provide an early intervention perinatal mental health service.

The project will support, educate and empower mothers and their families to find their voice and overcome the stigma around antenatal and postnatal depression.

Support2Gether’s activities include mum’s and dad’s support groups, awareness campaigns, an early intervention perinatal wellbeing programme, one-to-one listening visits, awareness sessions for health professionals and a volunteer training programme.

Una Leonard, the charity’s founder, says demand for its services continues to grow and they now feel “equipped for the future” thanks to the new funding.

“Over the years, we have gone from strength to strength, which is fantastic.

“But during the pandemic, I allowed myself to pause and recalculate,” she told the UH.

Una continued, “I knew I couldn’t continue in a voluntary capacity with the influx of people we were supporting. Also, our volunteer recruitment had dropped due to the trials and tribulations of the pandemic.

“Mentally and physically, I couldn’t continue the charity on a shoestring budget – it was make or break time.

“So we submitted an application to The National Lottery Community Fund, and we are elated that it has been successful.

“This money has come at the most perfect, crucial time.”

Three posts have been funded through the Stand Tall Shine Bright Project.

There is now a secure base in Omagh and Clogher, and Una hopes to extend the charity’s services into Fermanagh.

Support2Gether is based on the first floor of Omagh Community House, Drumragh Avenue. They can be contacted by telephoning 02882622177, or via social media.