The Community Safety Advisors Project in association with Fermanagh Volunteer Centre recognised the valuable contribution of all participants on the project.
The celebration and volunteer recognition event, which was held in the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen was to acknowledge the valuable contribution of all volunteers within the project and to mark the end of an unique project.
The Community Safety Advisors project is a pilot project funded by the Northern Ireland Office and built on partnership working between the Fermanagh Community Safety Unit, Fermanagh District Council and Fermanagh Volunteer Centre.
Mary Lynch, the manager of Fermanagh Volunteer Centre, explained that the aim of the project was to reduce the fear of crime among the elderly, vulnerable and marginalised within rural Fermanagh.
"Fear of crime has been acknowledged to have a devastating impact on the elderly and vulnerable in our communities. That fear of crime and social isolation can erode communities and impact over all on the quality of life of individuals within communities.
"It is recognised that there is a social responsibility for ensuring the safety of the elderly and vulnerable in our communities and in building safer communities. It is about delivering local solutions to local problems."
The Community Safety Advisors Project recruits volunteers, provides training in Community Safety and Befriending skills and then matches volunteers with an elderly/vulnerable person in the Fermanagh area.
Volunteers receive support, guidance and out of pocket expenses as well as the accredited training and, in turn the clients have a regular befriender who ensures that they are not isolated or marginalised within their local community.
The Project has devised and developed Home Security and Befriending Skills training for Community Safety volunteers to OCNNI Level 2. This training is unique and provides volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their role as Community Safety Advisors and Befrienders in their local community.
This service is provided right across Fermanagh, from Belleek to Roslea, from Irvinestown to Derrylin and is free to clients.
The evening commenced with an awards' ceremony and followed with food, entertainment and a lot of fun. Due to lack of identified funding, the project will come to an end at the end of next month.
Mary Lynch, Manager of Fermanagh Volunteer Centre said Fermanagh Volunteer Centre has striven to secure continual funding for this unique and innovative project but, to date, it had been unsuccessful."
She then revealed that, within Northern Ireland, Fermanagh currently has the highest percentage (13%) of pensioners living alone, and she went on: "The Western Health and Social Services Board indicate that the population projections for the 65+ age group from 2007 – 2017 in the Fermanagh District Council area will see an increase in the 65+ population by 34%. (Source 2001 Census, NISRA)."
"It will be essential for Rural Fermanagh's advancing population", she added, " to support these unique and innovative projects to ensure that fear of crime is addressed and that social isolation does not become more prevalent in our ever changing community.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Fermanagh Volunteer Centre on 028 66328438 or email: volunteer.bureau@gmail.com
