Koram Centre outlines plans for new facility

STRABANE-based mental health charity, the Koram Centre has shared plans for its new support facility with council members.

During a deputation at a meeting of the council’s Health and Community Committee on Thursday Koram Centre Manager, Adrian Loughrey outlined their current work and future plans, which include new premises at Railway Street.

The Koram Centre supports individuals living with poor mental health across the Strabane and district area, through one-to-one counselling, therapy, workshops and programmes.

In 2022/2023, they supported 574 people while 310 people benefited from workshops and support groups such as meditation, anxiety management, and arts and crafts programmes.

“The move to new premises, at 12 Railway Street, was a strategic goal of Koram Centre,” Mr Loughrey said. “As it will increase our capacity to deliver services, increase the number of treatment rooms, from five to ten, and improve disability access.

“It’s a huge expansion of our space, as it’s doubling our capacity to deliver the counselling and complimentary therapy…

“The goal over the next period is to meet the growing need for these services, and that’s dependant on securing additional funding.

“The associated cost with the building is around £837,000, and that’s been supported by the Lottery, whose funding helped us purchase the building.

“The refurbishment has been supported by the Department for Communities to the tune of £525,000.

“We also hope to expand our engagement with local schools to promote improved emotional health, and are currently working with five primary schools.”

Commenting, Sinn Féin councillor Paul Boggs said the first volunteering work he did was with at the Centre adding that their previous building was “in a poor state” then.

“I think it’s really exciting,” Councillor Boggs said. “And yes it’s a massive capital investment into a new building, but it’s also a massive investment in to the community of Strabane and further afield.”

SDLP councillor Jason Barr said the centre did “fantastic work for Strabane and the wider district”.

He added, “There’s no question that we continue to be in a mental health pandemic, and I’m sure you’re aware from the amount of people who come through the doors.

“It’s fantastic to hear the amount of capital funding that has been put into the centre, and we look forward to seeing the doors open.”