New scheme to aid most affected by Covid-19 pandemic

A £3m scheme aimed at supporting those most severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic has been launched in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) area.

The ‘Warm, Well and Connected’ programme will support the most vulnerable, including children and young people, carers, older people, people living with a disability and anyone who has lost income as a result of Covid-19.

It aims to tackle isolation, improve emotional wellbeing, support participation in physical activity and increase awareness of the need and ability to eat well over this winter.

Running until the end of March, ‘Warm, Well and Connected’ is being delivered locally by Omagh Forum for Rural Associations.

Network manager, Mary T Conway, said, “We are here to assist with the planning and funding of activities which local groups identify as benefitting those affected by Covid-19.

The community and voluntary sector have already supported local people in these difficult times, and this is an extension of that support.

“The pandemic has had a huge effect on people’s emotional and physical health so addressing loneliness, isolation and emotional wellbeing are key focuses of this support.”

Funding for the £3m programme has been provided by the Department for Communities and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Omagh Forum for Rural Associations is a Rural Support Network working in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.

• For any local community or voluntary group wishing to avail of the ‘Warm, Well and Connected’ programme, please contact Laurence in Omagh Forum via email at laurence@omaghforum.org or call (028) 82251559.

It is open to groups across Omagh and Fermanagh.