Gildernew praises Omagh disability group at awards ceremony

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has presented certificates to a group of volunteers who provide support services for people with disabilities in the Omagh area.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Minister said: “Organisations like Leonard Cheshire Disability are at the coal face everyday, making a real difference to the lives of people of with disabilities. Life can often be even harder for people with disabilities who live in isolated rural areas and Leonard Cheshire’s efforts to this end admirable. I would like to congratulate all those that have received certificates for their commitment, enthusiasm and long-term volunteering work with Leonard Cheshire Disability.”

“I am totally committed to ensuring that the services which my Department provide are fully accessible for people with disabilities. As an employer DARD values staff with a disability and I am pleased that Disability Forum members are present today in a volunteering capacity themselves.

“Leonard Cheshire Disability provides a valuable community service in the Omagh area. They have has enabled many disabled people to learn new skills and to move into further training programmes and take up employment opportunities. I have taken great pleasure in sharing in your celebrations at these awards and tour the super facilities on offer.”

Speaking at the event Roisin Foster Leonard Cheshire’s Regional Director thanked the Minister for attending the presentation ceremony. She said that: “The ‘Get Going’ Resource Centre and Garden Project facilities in Omagh are proving to be valuable resources for disabled people in the local rural community. The Garden project currently operates two days per week for members and volunteers, providing horticultural skills for disabled people from Omagh and surrounding rural community.”

Notes to Editors:

1. In Northern Ireland, Leonard Cheshire Disability provides a range of support services for people with disabilities which foster and encourage the ethos of independent living.

2. The ‘Get Going’ Disability Resource Centre is based in Omagh and currently supports 72 adults with physical disabilities in a variety of ways including IT training, administration, cookery courses and arranging social outings.

3. The Garden Project was established in June 2004 and provides local disabled people with an introduction to key horticultural skills.

4. Twelve volunteer members that work at Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Omagh premises received their certificates today. A number of these volunteers have previously been members of the Garden Project and they now volunteer their services by using their horticultural skills to support new members.

5. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.