South East Fermanagh Foundation

Members of County Armagh Community Development (CACD) recently travelled to Lisnaskea to meet with representatives of the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) a support group for victims/survivors of the troubles.
The visit began with Eric Brown Chairman of SEFF and Kenny Donaldson Director of Services providing an overview of the SEFF project. SEFF offers a range of services including a befriending service, counselling and a benefits/welfare service. They also have a programme of activities which include Educational and Cultural Workshops, covering things such as Food Hygiene Training, Computer IT Training, a Genealogy Course, Study Visits and speakers on various historical topics.

SEFF have produced a book and DVD entitled “I’ll Never Forget” in which a number of survivors tell the story of their lives during The Troubles. The group from CACD watched excerpts from the DVD which featured several moving interviews.

This was followed by an introduction to the Fuse Project (Fermanagh Ulster Scots Empowerment) featuring entertainment with Ulster-Scots music and dance. The day ended with a visit to SEFF’s Memorial Stone located in the grounds of Lisnaskea Parish Church, which lists victims of the troubles.

Similarities were drawn between the lives of those in the South Fermanagh Area and those in South Armagh.and participants found this to be a very thought provoking experience.