Organisation: Omagh Forum for Rural Associations

Description:

Omagh Forum is one of 12 Rural Support Networks (RSNs) and, along with Rural Community Network (RCN), is part of the Rural Community Development Networking Infrastructure (RCDNI) that geographically covers the entire rural area of Northern Ireland. We work under five aims:

We are a member-based organisation helping rural groups in the community and voluntary sector with support, advice and mentoring in areas such as committee skills, good practice, equality, inclusion, community audits, action plans and so on. All our work is underpinned by our commitment to peace building through networking opportunities for groups and individuals.

Networks provide a key 'gateway' role as a point of contact with rural communities, channelling information to and from groups. We work with groups, facilitating networking opportunities and promoting consultation and feedback as well as amplifying the voice of rural communities. RSNs liaise with many agencies, often on difficult issues and feed into policy issues on behalf of our member groups.

Contact name: Mary T Conway

Address:

Omagh Community House

2 Drumragh Avenue

Omagh

Postcode: BT79 8NH

Tel: (028) 8225 1559

Fax: (028) 8225 1559

Email: maryt.conway@omaghforum.org

Website:

Sector (statutory, voluntary, community, other): Community

Area of interest/expertise:

Community consultation and engagement – Omagh Forum in partnership with four other western RSNs has been engaged by WHSSB through a service level agreement to engage and consult the public on matters related to health issues. We do this by promoting, facilitating and writing-up public consultations and engagement exercises on specific issues. The RSNs have the contacts, local presence, knowledge and legitimacy which facilitate such work. We have proven track records in the areas of service delivery, organising public meetings, focus groups sessions, facilitation skills, collating reports and feedback. We have experience in articulating and presenting opinions on behalf of more marginalised and excluded groups and individuals, etc. This reflects our commitment to effective and meaningful public involvement and user engagement, with value for money as an important consideration. We carry out similar work for RCN and other organisations.

Mission statement:

Omagh Forum is a networking organisation owned by local communities, providing practical support and guidance to local community groups, responding to issues of concern and representing and acting upon the views of the community.