Greencastle to host ‘self help’ event for local people

SELF-help is very much the key to an innovative event next Wednesday which will offer practical support on a range of occupations to people from the Greencastle area.

Entitled ‘Broadening Your Horizons,’ the event is being jointly organised by the local GAA club and community association. It’s aimed at highlighting the wide range of advice and support available to students, businesses and farmers.

Representatives from the South West College, Prince’s Trust, DARD and Omagh Enterprise Centre are also going to be in attendance. In addition, local people with an expertise in particular careers will be on hand to provide additional information and allow for more informal discussion.

The event is being spearheaded by four local people – Michael McNamee, Fiona Teague, Teresa McCullagh and Maureen Teague.

Fiona Teague says the event is a rare opportunity to tap into a wide range of help and support at a local level.

“While events such as this might be more common in the larger towns, it’s brilliant to have one located in such an accessible location for the people of Greencastle,” she said.

“Our motivation comes from the fact that there are so many talented and skilled people within the area. They each have different careers and basically it’s a case of trying to utilise that.

“Any advice that they can give on how they developed within their chosen careers, the experiences and potential pitfalls will be invaluable.

“The aim is that the event will give people an insight into occupations such as those in medicine, construction, the trades, teaching and farming.”

The night will begin with short presentations from local man, Malachy McAleer, director of the South West College, and John Moore of DARD, as well as the other organisations represented.

There will then be a chance for those present to speak individually with representatives from each of the organisations about their experiences and to seek any support or advice.

“The GAA and community association are the focal point in Greencastle and we felt that it was important to give something back to the people by organising this event,” continued Fiona Teague.

“It is also about networking with people who work in particular occupations and offering and support which will then hopefully help to develop the community.

“The attendance of the South West College also gives us an opportunity to identify what courses might be available locally rather than having the expense of travelling.”

The event will take place in Greencastle Community Centre on Wednesday next, February 29, between 7.30pm and 9pm.

Source: ulsterherald.com