Frist Responders Complete Their Training

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Last Updated: Monday, 26 November 2018 11:09

Congratulations to Mr. John Fields and Mrs Patricia Creighton who completed their First Responders Training and will be responding to NI ambulance service calls in the coming weeks. Our new First Time Responders received their training though a four-week course and confidently passed. Their going active with the CFR programme comes shortly after the actions of the Community First Responders are being credited with assisting in the saving two lives in the city. Two men were successfully resuscitated and maintained by CRF volunteers, not the local volunteers but others who responded to the emergencies. Indeed, in one of the emergencies the CFR volunteer accompanied the patient in the ambulance assisting in the speedy delivery of the patient to Craigavon Area Hospital. These incidents happen at Callanbridge and on the Moy Road.

The West Armagh Consortium and REACT came together in the promotion of this life saving project. And we would like to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to John Fields and Patricia Creighton. We hope that they will be the first of many community volunteers to take up the challenge of the first responding. The four-week training course has been described by the two CRF volunteers as very comprehensive and rewarding. They added that the training programme will also afford them further opportunities to advance their emergency medical responding skills.

We would like to take this opportunity to once again promote this fantastic project and encourage more people to uptake and avail of the training. ‘Such a programme can sometimes be under appreciated insofar that not all emergencies become newsworthy for the very fact that assistance had been readily available and had averted what could perhaps have been a more serious incident. As a result of our initial promotion we identified several people willing to put their names forward we hope that these volunteers will be able to follow through and in turn encourage even more like-minded people.

There are a number of avenues that potential volunteers can  go down to register with the Community First Responders. They can contact either WAC or REACT and we will forward their details on or go directly  to the CFR website https://www.cfrat.org.uk/volunteer  and link into their "Volunteer Registration Form"

Santa Sunday

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 November 2018 09:47

An Post Fánach Christmas Draw.

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Last Updated: Monday, 19 November 2018 15:07

8 Week Addiction Programme Delivered By Dunlewey

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Last Updated: Monday, 19 November 2018 14:55

Dunlewey ARCH programme is an 8 week small group support programme for adults who have experienced substance or alcohol misuse issues or problematic gambling. ARCH activities aim to support recovery by reducing isolation and stress, and promoting self-care. Group sizes are limited to 8. Family members may also find the programme useful.

Please see below details of 3 groups starting in November 2018.

Armagh starting Monday 19^th November 2018 for 8 weeks

(19, 26, Nov, 3, 10, 17 Dec 2018, 14, 21, 28 Jan 2019)

Dobbin Street Community Centre, 11A Dobbin Street, BT61 7QQ

Group meets each Monday 10am-2pm

Portadown starting Monday 19^th November 2018 for 8 weeks

(19, 20, 26, 27 Nov, 3,4,10,11,17,18 Dec 2018, 14, 15, 21,22,28,29 Jan 2019)

ABC Community Network, 82 Thomas Street, Portadown, BT62 3NU

Group meets each Monday and Tuesday evening 6pm-8pm

Dungannon starting Friday 23^rd November 2018 for 8 weeks

(23 Nov, 7, 14, 21 Dec 2018, 11, 18, 25 Jan, 1 Feb 2019)

Breakthru, 18 Killymeal Road, Dungannon, BT71 6LJ

Group meets each Friday 10am-2pm

 Groups will start in Lurgan and Portadown on Monday 4^th February 2019 and in Newry on 8^th February 2019.

Senior Citizens Christmas Party

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Last Updated: Thursday, 15 November 2018 16:30

Community representatives should note that this party is for senior citizens in areas related to all groups. It replaces the grant that WAC used to give to groups to assist in their respective Intergenerational Christmas Programmes. Transport will be laid on for the evening and is free. For in the smooth running of the evening could groups collect names/numbers of senior citizens in their area who are looking to attend. This will  facilitate transport requirements and timetabling.

THE HAUNTED WALK AT SHERRYS

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Last Updated: Monday, 05 November 2018 12:02

Halloween entertainment for all the family. Everyone welcome. Admission is FREE 

A few snaps of the night 

Possible Funding Opportunities For local Community Groups.

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Last Updated: Friday, 02 November 2018 10:42

Dancing For P.I.P.S

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Last Updated: Monday, 22 October 2018 09:03

COMPASSION. KINDNESS. RESPECT

Charity Registration Number: NIC102127, Accepted as a charity for tax purposes by Inland Revenue, reference XT35784.  Registered as a Company Ltd by Guarantee in NI, registration Number:  NI609642.

FREE 6-week Stress Control Programme

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Last Updated: Wednesday, 17 October 2018 09:59

Registration open from September 2018 call SRC on 03001231223 

What is Stress Control?

WOMEN'S NETWORKING EVENT

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 16 October 2018 11:16

Opportunities For Local Youths

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Last Updated: Monday, 15 October 2018 09:06

YouthAction NI are currently recruiting 14 young people from across Armagh/Newry aged 15-17yrs for the autumn NI NCS Project https://www.ncsyes.co.uk/what-is-ncs

The young people will begin with an adventure residential at Greenhill YMCA, Donard Park, Newcastle, Co. Down BT33 0GR from 26th October to 29th October; plan & deliver a locally based project in November & finish up with a graduation party in Belfast on 11th December!

 For more information & to get signed up for the Armagh/Newry group contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or ring (028) 3751 1624

 Michael McKenna

Team Leader – Work with Young Men

YouthAction NI

Armagh Regional Office

St. Patrick’s Trian

38a English Street

Armagh

BT61 7BA

Tel:         (028) 3751 1624

Fax:        (028) 3752 2460

www.youthaction.org

Rebels, Radicals, Royalists and Loyalists Programme

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Last Updated: Friday, 12 October 2018 12:22

Anyone interested in the series of workshops detailed below should follow the contact links. The workshops will provide an opportunity to discuss a wide range of historical events and is complemented with a number of study visits. Places are limited so you should book asap. Such courses are of great benefit to anyone interested in history or involved in any type of conflict resolution programme.

Rebels, Radicals, Royalists and Loyalists Programme

 Venue:  REACT, 2 Mallview Terrace, Armagh. BT61 9AN

This course consists of 6 workshops (7 – 9.30pm) and 2 study visits. Participants will examine the following events and their impact on the Island of Ireland. Monday 22^nd October - Catholic Emancipation and Home Rule Monday 29^th October - Crises and Volunteers (Redmond and Carson) Monday 5^th November - Blood Sacrifice: Easter Rising and WW1 - The Somme Monday 12^th November - War of Independence and Partition Monday 19^th November - Irish Civil War and Civil Strife in Northern Ireland Monday 26^th November- "The Troubles" and Course Evaluation

 Saturday 1^st December – Study Visit 1 - This is a 1 day visit to Stormont, St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast and The Somme Heritage Museum.

 Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th November – Study Visit 2 - Dublin - This is an overnight residential which includes visits to Glasnevin Cemetery, Arbour Hill Cemetery, the Memorial Gardens at Island Bridge, the National Museum at Collins Barracks and the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square.

There is a fee of £30 for the course payable on the first night.

Please note spaces are limited on this programme and a waiting list will operate should the programme become oversubscribed.   There are three eligibility criteria that all participants must meet: 1.  They must be actively involved in their community so that they can share the learning.   2.  They must be able to attend all workshops and the study visits (except for illness which is unforeseeable).

3. They must be willing to share twin accommodation on residential.   The course is organised by Charmain Jones, Community Relations Officer for Rural Community Network and Sarah Haughey, Community Relations Officer, REACT Armagh, funded by the Community Relations Council and delivered by Martin Snoddon from Northern Spring.   Anyone interested in participating in the course should contact Sarah 02837 526869 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.giving their expression of interest and confirming that they meet the eligibility criteria. 

Physical Acivity Programme

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Last Updated: Monday, 08 October 2018 12:21

We all know that a persons health and well being has a number of factors; diet, positive mental attitude and physical fitness are but some of the ingredients that go into attaining a healthy lifestyle. The consortium will be delivering a physical exercise programme starting on Monday October 29th and running up until Christmas week. The classes that will take place at a local gym (Performance Centre on the Nursery Road) will be tailored to an individuals physical abilities and will consist of three one-hour gym classes held on Mon-Wed and Fri evening.  All the details are contained in the leaflet printed below. The charge of £25 is, as the leaflets points out fully refundable based on attendance of the course. Previous fitness classes have enjoyed a varying level of support which has resulted in people having been turned away at the start of the course only for it to emerge that places signed up for were not filled. The easiest way for anyone interested in signing up for this free series of gym sessions, is to use the usual contact details for the consortium. Alternatively, you can sign up via your local community representative.

Free Training Courses

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Last Updated: Friday, 28 September 2018 14:25

Local Charities Benefit From Festival Run

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Last Updated: Friday, 28 September 2018 13:20

Two local charities were presented with an equal share of the money raised at the sponsored run/walk held on August 10th as part of the West Armagh Community Festival. The event raised £4,220.Lisanally Special Needs School and Armagh Breast Cancer Support Group each received £2,110 at the night organised by the Lord Mayors Office at which the Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr, Paul Duffy made the presentations and congratulated the festival committee on delivering such a successful event.

There was a special presentation to Jack Rolston who attends Lisanally School. Together with his family ,Jack raised well is excess of £600 and in recognition of this fantastic achievement the festival committee presented Jack with a Harry Potter rucksack and wand. Needless to say there was a plethora of spells cast for the rest of the evening by the young wizard himself.

The event was attended by community volunteers, local politicians and representatives of the two charities.The committees sponsored run organiser Mr. John Fields thanked everyone for all their efforts in the organising and participation in the run. He also thanked  the local council who allowed the run to take place in the Palace Grounds. He added that it was particularly heartening to see the money raised being put to such good use.

ONLINE SCAMMERS TARGETTING GROUPS

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Last Updated: Monday, 24 September 2018 09:47

Following an attempted online scam received by the WAC this morning we would urge people to be vigilant as in a previous instance the scammers targeted people in the locale. It is not clear whether or not the scammers operate on a geographical grid, going through area codes but previously there was a number of individuals targeted within a local area. The scam is similar to the previous one except they are purporting to come from Microsoft this time and not BT. However the result will be the same. You will informed that scammers are:

*Slowing down your computer/laptop.

*If not already on,turn on your machine.

*You cannot see what is going on in the background because they are hiding their activity.

*To see what they are doing, press the windows key and R and it opens up a box bottom left hand corner.

*Then you'll be instructed to insert a lettered code. This allows them to install a programme onto your computer and once that's activated, you have lost control of your computer. You screen will go blank at least at your end but allowing them to access  your files. From there on in it will be a matter of them stalling you with false information and bogus commands with the sole aim of gaining access to your banking details.

If you received such a call do not comply with it. Simply hang up. Genuine service providers do not contact their customers in this manner. Even if you are suspicious do not try to confirm with a number or email address that the caller may give. Go to the service providers verified online site and follow their respective contact procedures and details.   

Presentation Reception At Palace For Local Charities

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 18 September 2018 11:59

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City Banbridge Craigavon Council, Cllr Paul Duffy, has invited members of the West Armagh Community Festival Committee to a reception in the Lord Mayor's Parlour on 26th September. Representatives of the local charities due to receive a share of the monies raised through the sponsored run/walk held as part of the West Armagh Community Festival in August, have also been invited.

Lisanally Special School and the Armagh Breast Cancer Awareness Group will benefit from the funds raised through the run/walk which was very well supported. Several hundred runners and walkers took part in the event that was held in the Palace grounds on August 10th 

Committee members wishing to attend need to confirm their attendance.

Community Well Being Event

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Last Updated: Friday, 14 September 2018 11:41

Any community based  groups interested in attending this can follow the details on the poster or go through the consortium office.

Work@sea Training Through Southern Regional College

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Last Updated: Wednesday, 12 September 2018 15:20

Anyone interested in an ocean going career might be able to avail of training being offered through the local Southern Regional College  

A Round Up Of Pictures From West Armagh Community Festival 2018

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Last Updated: Thursday, 23 August 2018 07:53

Please click onto the link below to view photo montage. Hope you enjoy. We are indebted to Brian Corvan for compiling the short video. Some people have experienced difficulty with the first links. If that's the case click on the last link will take you to our FB page and the video.  

WAC Festival 2018 montage

http://www.corvan.ie/wac.mp4

https://www.facebook.com/westarmagh.consortium/videos/2123775827897025/