Connect Fermanagh

08/07/2026

👋 Meet Our New Co-ordinator: Jane McGeoghan
We're delighted to welcome Jane as the new Co-ordinator of Connect Fermanagh.
After 35 years teaching Politics and English at Mount Lourdes Grammar School in Enniskillen, where she also led the school's pastoral care, Jane recently retired and wanted to find a new way to make a positive difference in her community.
Having heard about the valuable work telephone befriending service Connect Fermanagh does, Jane knew it was something she wanted to be part of.
"I've always been passionate about supporting people. After retiring I wanted to do something meaningful where I could continue helping others. Connect Fermanagh felt like the perfect fit."
Throughout her career, Jane developed extensive experience in pastoral care and safeguarding, supporting young people and families through a wide range of challenges. She is now looking forward to bringing that experience to her new role and working alongside Connect Fermanagh's fantastic team of volunteers.
"I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in, meeting our volunteers and helping to grow the service. The volunteers are at the heart of what Connect Fermanagh does and I'm excited to support them in the incredible work they do."
Jane is also keen to raise awareness of the service across the County and is always happy to visit community groups, organisations and local events to chat about Connect Fermanagh and how a regular friendly phone call can make a real difference to someone's week.
If you'd like to become a volunteer, or if you or someone you know would enjoy a regular friendly phone call and a chat each week, Jane would love to hear from you.
📞 Call Jane on 07949 954512 or email [email protected]

18/06/2026

Thanks to Fermanagh Trust for today’s great training, delighted to now have a certified Adult Safeguarding Champion in our Team, helping us ensure our service fulfils its duty in looking after both our Volunteers and those we call 🙏

📜 Today we completed the final training course in our Investing in Community Volunteers Programme with Adult Safeguarding Champion and Appointed Persons Training, delivered by Volunteer Now at Fermanagh House

A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in the programme from January to June throughout Fermanagh and Omagh. It has been fantastic to bring together a wide range of local organisations, creating opportunities to learn, share experiences and strengthen volunteering across our communities.

Across the programme, we have shared lots of learning together with a wide range of local organisations, building skills, confidence and connections.

Although this marks the end of this training series, there is more to come. Applications are now open for the Fermanagh Young Leaders Programme and the Diploma in Community Development Practice:

🔹 Fermanagh Young Leaders Programme – https://www.fermanaghtrust.org/fermanagh-young-leaders-forum/
🔹 Diploma in Community Development Practice – https://www.fermanaghtrust.org/diploma-in-community-development-practice/

The Investing in Community Volunteers Programme is one of 13 programmes as detailed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, this project is supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

04/06/2026

📞 Volunteer Spotlight: Eric Johnston
Role: Telephone Befriender and Board Member

As part of , we're shining a spotlight on one of our wonderful volunteers, Eric Johnston.
After retiring, Eric wanted to find a meaningful way to give something back to his community. Through Connect Fermanagh, Eric found an opportunity to support people experiencing loneliness and isolation through our telephone befriending service.
Eric’s motivation comes from personal experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he cared for a family member whose life changed dramatically due to isolation.
"I saw first-hand the impact loneliness and isolation can have on someone's physical and mental health," Eric explains. "Before COVID, she was active and social, but when everything stopped, it was very upsetting to see the real impact on her health."

Today, Eric makes regular weekly calls to two befriending participants. Although their circumstances are very different, he says both benefit from having someone who genuinely listens and cares.
"I enjoy making the calls. One conversation might be 25 minutes and another nearly an hour, but that's a small amount of time that can make a massive difference to somebody's week."

Eric believes volunteering is just as rewarding for the volunteer as it is for the person receiving support.
"You get as much back as you give. You're helping someone else, but you're helping yourself too."
When asked if he would encourage others to get involved, his answer was simple:
"Oh yes, absolutely. If you can have a chat and enjoy a bit of craic, that's really all the qualification you need."

If you'd like to get involved with Connect Fermanagh, we'd love to hear from you. Call 028 66 320 230 or email [email protected]

03/06/2026

Today we’re sharing a few words from people who receive calls through our project reminders of just how much connection matters.

93‑year‑old lady shared:
“I truly enjoy talking with Niki she brings light to my day.”
An older gentleman told us:
“It’s so nice to talk with someone… it means a lot to know someone is thinking about me.”

A young mum with two little ones said:
“It’s so nice to talk with someone other than the littles… so nice to have someone ask ‘how are you?’”

To our volunteers thank you for bringing comfort, light and companionship into people’s lives every day.

💛💙

02/06/2026

Celebrating the people who make a difference every day. Thank you to all our volunteer.

If you would like to learn more about Connect Fermanagh please give us a call or drop into Fermanagh House for a chat.
[email protected]
Tele: 02866 320230 or 07949954512

# VolunteersWeek

01/06/2026

This week, we celebrate and thank all of our incredible volunteers who give their time, energy and kindness to support our community.
Thank you for everything you do. We truly couldn't do it without you.

17/05/2026

🌼 Connect Fermanagh at Dunnes Stores Enniskillen – Tomorrow Morning 🌼

We’ll be in Dunnes Stores tomorrow morning and would love you to call by for a chat.
Come meet some of our amazing volunteers, find out how you could get involved, or learn how you or someone you know could receive a weekly befriending call.

Pop over, say hello, we look forward to meeting you💛

www.connectfermanagh.org Tele: 02866320230 or Mobile:07949954512

12/05/2026

🌼 A lovely Spring Potting Morning with Connect Fermanagh 🌼

What a gorgeous morning we had. Our annual Spring Potting Morning is one of the favourite little traditions, sharing cups of tea, a good chat, and the smell of fresh compost while we put together colourful window boxes to brighten up homes across Fermanagh. "Simple things that lift the heart".
A big thank you to Fermanagh House for giving us such a welcoming space. And a huge thank you to SWAP for the funding support we’re genuinely grateful. It’s contributions like this that make mornings like today possible.
But as always, it’s our volunteers who make it special. You show up with kindness, patience, and a bit of craic, and you always go that extra mile for the people we call. You bring smiles long before the flowers do.

Feeling very grateful today 🌷💛

11/05/2026

Sharing upcoming events:

New to the area? 👋
You are welcome to join the Community Connect Hub 🤝
📍 Come to Fermanagh House
🚶 Just drop in. No booking needed.
You can:
💬 Have a chat
👥 Meet other people
ℹ️ Get help and information
People will be there to help with:
🏠 Housing
💼 Jobs and benefits
❤️ Health
🧭 Community advice