Old Library Trust going ‘from strength to strength’

OLT AGM. . . . .Group pictured at the Old Library Trust Healthy Living Centreâ€TMs Annual General Meeting on Thursday morning. Front from left are Sean Doherty, George McGowan, Project Director, Charlie Oâ€TMDonnell, Chair, Martine Mulhern, Damien Harkin and Karole McCauley. Back from left Peter Simms, Julie White, Sabrina Lynch, Aine Sheerin, Roisin Flynn, Sinead Devine, Deirdre Doherty and Jonathan Peberdy. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Those who gathered for the Annual General Meeting in the Creggan centre last Thursday were told that the programmes being run annually had increased in number while attendances were also on the rise.

Presenting the annual report, Mr. McGowan said: “2019/2020 has been a year were the organisation has stood back and taken stock of where it is, talked to local people, service users, partners and funders and asked questions on how it could improve for the better. And we continue to get stronger!’

The Old Library Trust (OLT) was established in July 2001 to deliver programmes and services that improve the social, physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents living in the Creggan area.

The attendance at Thursdayâ€TMs AGM at the Old Library Trust, Creggan enjoying some of the musical accompaniment performed by â€ ̃All of Usâ€TM under the guidance of Margaret McNamee.

Today, around 2000+ people come through the doors of the OLT Healthy Living Centre at Central Drive each week.

Chairperson Charlie O’Donnell welcomed members, users and public attendees, before giving an overview of the year’s activities at Old Library Trust. He also thanked the board for their continued commitment throughout what was another ‘successful year’.

After the minutes were presented and approved, the board of directors for the 2020/21 year were formally appointed. This was followed by the annual accounts’ adoption and then Mr. McGowan’s annual report.

The project director emphasised that the organisation will continue to listen to the needs of the community in delivering overall health and mental wellbeing for all.

Mr McGowan said: “Improvements came in the shape of our staffing team, the aesthetics of the building and the growth and variety of programmes and services that we offer.

“The organisation will continue to listen and reflect to ensure that we give local people the best possible chances of improving their overall health and mental wellbeing.”

He went on to praise his staff and volunteers at the Trust and mentioned their willingness to attend new courses offered in upskilling for the benefit of the local community.

“All our staff and indeed volunteers continue to step forward, go the extra mile and learn new skills that help advance all we are trying to achieve here at OLT.

“A big thank you also to our many funders who continue to show confidence in Creggan by their unceasing support and funding.”

HIGHLIGHT

The highlight of Thursday’s AGM was testimonies from some of the service users.

They praised the centre and what is offered to the community, mentioning some of the programmes that had ‘changed their lives’.

These included the DEEDS project; First Family Hub; Healthy Lifestyles; Long Term Condition Management and the take up of the clinics within the centre.

It’s understood plans are afoot this year to engage even more local people in a number of different ways and to strike up meaningful and strategic partnerships for the benefit of the local community.

Two new funding streams have been identified and made successful following recent bids that will allow for new and unique ways of improving people’s health and wellbeing to be tested

Mr. McGowan concluded: “It is an exciting time at the Old library Trust and one that the team is enjoying and will continue to put people at the core of everything they do.”