Omagh YouthBank Brightens up Local Community

Two years after it began, Omagh YouthBank has helped make big changes to the local community. We find out how successful applicants have put the funding they received to good use in Omagh!
Following its first round of funding, Omagh YouthBank, hosted by the E go Project has enabled a number of groups to complete activities which benefit those living in the town.
Harvest Crescent, a rundown community house was in desperate need of a makeover. With funding from Omagh YouthBank, the house was transformed into a place where young people from the surrounding estate could meet and socialise. As there isn’t a community centre in the area updating the interiors, replacing furniture and buying a Nintendo Wii, meant there was an appealing place for local people to spend time.
Omagh YouthBank also helped to create a carnival atmosphere during the summer in Shandon Park estate, by granting funding to the Shandon Park Youth Committee. Young people within the committee wanted to have a fun day for residents on the estate and with funding from YouthBank they were able to organise a day full of entertainment and activities.
Chairperson of the Committee, Briege Coleman was thrilled that funding was given to the group, “The grant gave the committee the opportunity to work together on ideas and take responsibility for organising activities including a treasure hunt, free barbeque, water slide, raffle, games, two bouncy castles and a disco.”
Briege continues, “The fun day was also beneficial to the community as young people within the committee, were able to raise a further £200 in funds during the event for future community activities.”
Youth Clubs from Omagh have also received funding allowing them to improve the Youth Club buildings and take group trips. However it’s not just the applicants, who have benefitted from Omagh YouthBank, but also the members themselves as Briege comments,
“Being part of the YouthBank is a great experience for all members involved as they are able to gain a lot of independence and responsibility. It has also helped them improve relationships between young people in the area by bringing them together so they can work as a team.”