Fermanagh charity closes after 58 years of service

The Fermanagh Voluntary Association of the Disabled (FVAD), established in 1966, has been a cornerstone for the disabled community in Fermanagh, offering support and friendship to many.

The charity was created to fill a significant gap in services for people with disabilities, providing social, recreational, and educational activities, as well as welfare advice and skills development.

Fermanagh Trust (Image: Fermanagh Trust)

Over the years, FVAD transformed into a lively, membership-driven organisation, deeply embedded in the Fermanagh community.

With the help of volunteers and the generous support of people, the charity was able to acquire its centre on Mill Street and even had its minibus.

This allowed them to expand their services and activities, both during the day and in the evening.

The charity had its own minibus (Image: Fermanagh Trust)

Their community horticulture projects and the Community Repaint Fermanagh initiative were just some of the ways they brought people together, creating opportunities for learning, connection, and fun.

Their social events and outings are fondly remembered by many.

The charity did not rely on statutory funding, instead depending on the goodwill of the Fermanagh community, which consistently supported its fundraising efforts year after year.

However, with the advent of technological advancements, a decline in volunteering, and the onset of COVID-19, the charity saw a major turnover of volunteers.

This led the trustees to make the difficult decision to close the charity.

Freddie McCordick, one of the founding members, attended the final trustee meeting in September 2024.

He said: "Elsie Boyd, my social worker at the time, brought me to the first meeting.

"We had some wonderful times and met great people."

As FVAD closes its doors, it has announced the creation of the FVAD Legacy Fund in partnership with the Fermanagh Trust.

This fund will continue the charity’s spirit by providing grant aid for social and recreational activities for disability groups in Fermanagh.

Lesley Fagan, a trustee of FVAD, said: "While it is bittersweet to close the charity, we take immense pride in knowing that our work over the past 58 years will live on through the FVAD Legacy Fund.

"Our goal has always been to empower individuals and bring the community together, and this fund will ensure that mission continues."

Ernie Fisher, chairman of the Fermanagh Trust, said: We are honoured to partner with FVAD in creating this legacy fund.

"FVAD has made an incredible impact in our community, and this fund will allow their work to continue, supporting activities that bring joy, connection, and empowerment to people with disabilities for many years to come."

David Brown, a key FVAD volunteer, said: "It’s now time to move on and this fund will ensure many others can access opportunities in the coming years.

"We are very excited to see how the fund will support people with disabilities and we wish the Fermanagh Trust every best wishes with their work."

While FVAD may be closing its doors, the spirit of its work will live on, ensuring that the charity’s mission of empowerment, inclusion, and community support continues to benefit the people of Fermanagh for generations to come.

The new fund is set to open soon.