St Enda’s, Omagh

Throughout the COVID-19 health pandemic, there have been many examples of our communities responding to the exceptional circumstances to help those in need. Here, St. Edna’s, Omagh, shares its story.

As part of our community support over the COVID-19 pandemic , Omagh St Enda’s established 4 volunteer groups to help the general public. These groups included grocery delivery, food bank appeal, prescription delivery and a befriending service.

Food Bank Appeal
The Health and Wellbeing committee along with the club committee held 2 Food Bank Days. We were overwhelmed with the support and generosity from club members and the wider Omagh community. St Vincent de Paul were very appreciative of both the monetary and groceries received to help those most vulnerable in our community at this time .

Prescription Delivery
Omagh St Enda’s GAA club volunteers were paired with Bradley’s Pharmacy, Brookmount and Omagh Group pharmacies & Gordon’s pharmacy by the Community Development and Health Network to deliver prescriptions. The service started on the 23rd March delivering prescription for our local community. Approximately 100 prescriptions per week were delivered and the service has been running for 16 weeks. The service is appreciated both by pharmacies which have been experiencing increased demand for their services and by people who are shielding or isolating and not able to get to the pharmacy.

Befriending Service
A befriending service was also established by linking with Omagh befriending service. Referrals were sent to a group of volunteers within the club and connected with people within the Omagh area who require support and friendship.

Grocery Delivery
Team of St Enda’s volunteers provided a home delivery of essential groceries. A local shop would link with the group on a daily basis to assist with the increase demand.