Council awards advice contract to Fermanagh and Omagh Advice Consortium.

The Fermanagh and Omagh Advice Consortium, comprising of Omagh Independent Advice Services and Community Advice Fermanagh, has been awarded an annual contract worth £265,000 to provide free, independent advice to residents throughout the Fermanagh and Omagh District. Funding for the contract includes £79,735 from the Department for Communities (DfC) Community Support Programme with the remaining £185,265 provided by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

The Consortium will offer a wide range of confidential and impartial services, assisting residents with issues such as welfare benefits, housing, employment, and more. This support aims to help individuals and families navigate complex systems and access the resources they need. Independent advice services are a vital support acting as a safety net, helping people address personal and social challenges.

Councillor John McClaughry, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, commented,
“By making advice accessible across the community, the Fermanagh and Omagh Advice Consortium will improve the well-being of our local residents and empower citizens with the knowledge they need to confidently assert their rights.

These services are vital in helping people understand their rights and entitlements, particularly in areas like welfare benefits, housing, and employment.

Independent advice is a key component of the Council’s proposed Anti-Poverty Strategy, ensuring individuals and families receive the support they need to improve their quality of life.”

For more information about the services available, visit https://oias.co.uk/ or https://communityadvicefermanagh.com/.
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