The Lisnaskea-based South East Fermanagh Foundation, a victim support group is now operating from a new address in the town, at 2, Manderwood Square, Manderwood Park.

The organisation was formed in August, 1999, by a few people from the area and, according to its spokesman, initially it had been intended to consider a memorial, either living or permanent, to all those who had been murdered in the South Fermanagh area over the years.

"As this was being discussed" he explained, "it became apparent that there was a need in the area for more than a memorial and that large numbers of people who had been through very traumatic experiences were receiving no help or support for what they had suffered".

Those attending these meetings then decided to form what is now known as the South East Fermanagh Foundation and embarked on its path of supporting people from the South East Fermanagh area who are victims of paramilitary terrorists.

"They started coming forward with what were, in some cases, horrific stories of what happened to them or their loved ones and of the total lack of support they were receiving.

"Most of those who had suffered, felt neglected and believed that they had been abandoned by Government, by those in authority and, most of all, by the society in which they lived which was by a large majority, Roman Catholic" said the spokesman.

The Group who at this stage were all volunteers, began to look to others for help and set up what was to become a successful membership scheme.

Fermanagh District Council and Sean Coll from the Western Health & Social Services Board became involved and gave the Group pointers as to where they should look for the assistance they needed. Contact was made with the NI Memorial Fund which provided grants to individuals and families who were in need and deserving.

In 2002, the Group applied to the Community Relations Council for core funding to allow two members of staff to be employed and an office in which to base the Group. In March, 2003 a Co-Ordinator and Administrator were employed and an office opened on Main Street, Lisnaskea.

"This proved to be a turning point for the South East Fermanagh Foundation", the spokesman added. "The membership continued to grow even bigger and activities were arranged to encourage traumatised people to get out more and take part in social activities which were not previously available in the area".

Charitable status was obtained, and this opened the way for funding applications to Charitable Trusts".

As result of a meting with the then Criminal Justice Minister, David Hanson, Fermanagh was chosen as one of the four pilot schemes for Renewing Communities initiative which was directed at the Protestant Unionist Loyalist community. The South East Fermanagh Foundation applied to be the organisation which delivered this in County Fermanagh and were successful in this, bringing on another three members of staff.

The Group has also been successful in an application to deliver a reconciliation programme to younger second generation victims. This project will commence shortly.

The NEW offices were officially opened by Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council which is the core funder for the South East Fermanagh Foundation's Victims' Initiative.