Since 2022, Glenshane Care Association has received a total of £16,000 from renewable energy producer ERG, helping to fund improvements to the outdoor spaces and vegetable garden, as well as a wide range of workshops and classes.
This includes from flower arranging and arts and crafts, to learning about food and cultures, yoga, storytelling and educational day trips.
The staff also delivered essential training sessions in first aid, fire safety and moving and handling.
The cross-community charity runs a valued day centre based in Glenshane, supporting adults who have sensory, physical and learning disabilities, as well as their families and carers.
They provide a safe space and individual programmes of care and development to reduce the risk of isolation and encourage friendships – meeting the needs of the rural local community.
The charity operates from a purpose-built centre designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities and challenges, providing vocational, therapeutic, physical and social activities that support and enrich the lives of nearly 20 people each week, while also providing a freshly prepared, home-cooked lunch each day.
Corrina Martin, Glenshane Care Association Manager, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the funding that ERG has provided over the past three years.
“As a part-funded charity, we simply wouldn’t have the resources to deliver the essential services we offer without this kind of help.
“It has allowed us to ensure our centre users stay independent, improve their wellbeing, while reducing isolation and teaching them new skills to grow and thrive in their local community.
“We are like a close-knit family, some of our members have been with us since we first opened over 25 years ago.
“At the same time, we still welcome new faces regularly and it’s great to be able to maintain and improve our facilities to meet everyone’s needs.”
Melissa Falconer, Head of Business Development UK at ERG, said: “Visiting the Glenshane Care Association and seeing the incredible work being carried out by Corrina and the team was truly inspiring.
“The centre itself is warm and welcoming, but it’s the care, dedication and compassion of the staff that truly brings it to life.
“It was also a pleasure to meet some of the centre users, chat to them and see their amazing artwork. It really showcased the creativity and personality within the centre.
“At ERG, our focus goes beyond producing clean energy. It’s about creating lasting value in the communities where we operate.
“Through our Community Benefit Fund, we’re proud to support local charities like Glenshane Care Association, which plays such a vital role in the lives of adults with disabilities, their families and the local community.”
Orla Black, Director of Grants and Fund Development at Community Foundation Northern Ireland, said: “The ERG Community Benefit Fund for the Evishagaran and Craiggore wind farms is helping to drive real, lasting impact for local groups across Dungiven’s rural community.
“From education and environmental work to initiatives that promote wellbeing and inclusion, it’s been fantastic to see the breadth of projects being supported by ERG.
“We’re proud to contribute to that progress and look forward to continuing to support community led efforts in future funding rounds.”
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