Last week, the ARC Healthy Living Centre relaunched the SOLACE Project at new premises just off the Enniskillen Road in the town. And, at the official relaunch, there was high praise for the work of the Project in helping those with chronic addiction problems.
The Centre aims to improve the well-being of local people by bringing together a partnership of community health activities and services.
The SOLACE Project is Fermanagh's first community-based facility providing a range of practical support and advocacy service for people living in the community with chronic addiction problems.
Mannix Magee, its Co-ordinator emphasised the community's commitment to the project.
"The users began to identify need and design user-led responses. We now provides advocacy support services, ensuring the voices of formerly excluded people are articulated in all arenas."
The Project evolved from the way that focused, strategic community action has acted as a catalyst for community initiatives affecting economic and social development.
These immeasurably improved the quality of community life and health for all citizens within Irvinestown and the wider surrounding hinterland.
Jane Reihill Chairperson of the ARC Project describes Irvinestown as, 'a unique model of community development where local people seek to take ownership of local problems and work in partnership with external agencies to identify local solutions'.
"Irvinestown has recognised the value of forming strategic partnerships and, as a result, has formed external relationships and networks to improve the quality of community life".
Mannix Magee acknowledges all of the agencies that have supported SOLACE's growth and continue to take an active interest in activity. For their part, the ARC board and staff paid tribute to the boards and staff of The Western Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team, The Probation Board for Northern Ireland and the Fermanagh Community Safety Partnership.
The Probation Board for Northern Ireland's (PBNI) Area Manager in Enniskillen, Patricia McKeever reported that her organisation had forged an excellent partnership with SOLACE locally through our Community Development grants and, she was delighted to be present to see the re-launch of their valuable service and new premises.
"PBNI's Community Service placements", she explained, " have provided support in the preparation of this building. This shows our commitment to work in, with and through local communities to reduce re-offending in Northern Ireland'.
Fermanagh Councillor, Bert Johnston, who is the chairman of Fermanagh Community Safety Partnership also said he was 'delighted to be present at this important stage of the development of SOLACE'.
"As an active partnership, we know the value of interagency working and that is why this project is so exciting. We are very aware of how alcohol misuse can have a negative impact on family, friends and on society in general. I am also aware of the hard work, vision and overall that the coordinator, staff and volunteers have demonstrated in making SOLACE work."
Barbara Ward, speaking on behalf of the Western Health and Social services Board, was also delighted to be able to continue funding the project.
"It is essential', she said, " to support the needs of this section of the community, and the SOLACE Project has been to the fore in developing and providing this service within Northern Ireland. They represent a model of good practice that other groups try to replicate".
She said SOLACE's impact within the local community, and the support it had received from the community had been immense.
"The service", she went on, " has expanded and gone from strength to strength, and these new premises typify the need for them. They will assist them in offering other services to their clientele. SOLACE is able to support not only those with chronic addiction problems, but also their family and friends. This in turn has reduced related problems within the local community", she added.
