A charity providing over-the-phone support to lonely people in Fermanagh recently hosted a special event.

The day - organised by Connect Fermanagh - saw service users plant window boxes and chat among themselves.

Over 200 isolated individuals in Fermanagh have experienced social upliftment since April 2020 through Connect Fermanagh's telephone befriending service.

Connect Fermanagh aims to provide a lifeline for those feeling lonely, with a team of 30 volunteers making weekly supportive and light-hearted phone calls.

Briege McRory, Connect Fermanagh co-ordinator said: "Our Summer event was a lovely opportunity for the volunteers and service users to come together and to celebrate the success of the service, which is growing from strength to strength, just like these beautiful flowers that they planted.

Planting was the day's main eventPlanting was the day's main event (Image: Connect Fermanagh)

"For our volunteers, Connect Fermanagh is a quick and simple way to give something back through weekly calls.

"It makes such a difference to those feeling isolated."

The elderly, isolated, and vulnerable individuals make up the majority of service users.

In light of upcoming Loneliness Awareness Week from June 10-16, the organisation is open for more participation, whether for volunteers or users.

Connect Fermanagh can be contacted via telephone at 028 66 320 230, or by email at info@connectfermanagh.org.