SUPPORT GROUP TO PRODUCE NEWSLETTER
Support group to produce newsletter
THE Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, set up four months ago following the August bomb, is currently working on producing a newsletter.
The group, which was established by bereaved families and victims of the bombing to, offer each other support, has gone from strength to strength.
That support could be anything from a friendly chat, to directing people to various agencies.
Representatives from the body have already met Government Ministers and senior civil servants to ensure that everything possible will be done for the survivors of the bomb and the bereaved.
A number also met with Health Minister, Mr. John McFall, during his visit to the Tyrone County Hospital just before Christmas, and raised several points regarding the retention of acute services locally and support for victims.
They called on him to ensure there would be a permanent trauma centre in Omagh, not just to deal with the victims of the bombing, but to support anyone who had suffered grief and trauma.
Mr. McFall sent a hand-written letter to the group chairman, Mr. Michael Gallagher, following the meeting, assuring him that their points would be investigated thoroughly.
Both Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Stanley McCombe, group vice-chairman, have also travelled to the House of Commons and met with the Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, Andrew MacKay.
Mr. MacKay expressed an interest in retaining acute services at the Tyrone County, and the group hopes to build on that support.
Meanwhile, meetings have also taken place with the Bloomfield Commission and the Victim Liaison Support Unit, and the group hopes to invite representatives of the Department of Health and Social Services to come and give advice on a range of issues.
In addition, regular contact has been maintained with the administrators of the Omagh Fund.
The group has the active support of more than half the bereaved families, as well as that of many who were injured and traumatised, and anyone who would like further information about its activities can contact Mr. Gallagher on (01662) 244920, or Mr. McCombe on (01662) 244449.
THE Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, set up four months ago following the August bomb, is currently working on producing a newsletter.
The group, which was established by bereaved families and victims of the bombing to, offer each other support, has gone from strength to strength.
That support could be anything from a friendly chat, to directing people to various agencies.
Representatives from the body have already met Government Ministers and senior civil servants to ensure that everything possible will be done for the survivors of the bomb and the bereaved.
A number also met with Health Minister, Mr. John McFall, during his visit to the Tyrone County Hospital just before Christmas, and raised several points regarding the retention of acute services locally and support for victims.
They called on him to ensure there would be a permanent trauma centre in Omagh, not just to deal with the victims of the bombing, but to support anyone who had suffered grief and trauma.
Mr. McFall sent a hand-written letter to the group chairman, Mr. Michael Gallagher, following the meeting, assuring him that their points would be investigated thoroughly.
Both Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Stanley McCombe, group vice-chairman, have also travelled to the House of Commons and met with the Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, Andrew MacKay.
Mr. MacKay expressed an interest in retaining acute services at the Tyrone County, and the group hopes to build on that support.
Meanwhile, meetings have also taken place with the Bloomfield Commission and the Victim Liaison Support Unit, and the group hopes to invite representatives of the Department of Health and Social Services to come and give advice on a range of issues.
In addition, regular contact has been maintained with the administrators of the Omagh Fund.
The group has the active support of more than half the bereaved families, as well as that of many who were injured and traumatised, and anyone who would like further information about its activities can contact Mr. Gallagher on (01662) 244920, or Mr. McCombe on (01662) 244449.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0604
Published Date: 21-Jan-99
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