Omagh Independent Advice Services 30 year anniversary

OMAGH Independent Advice Services (OIAS) has been serving the local community for 30 years and celebrated their 30th anniversary with a chairperson's reception on November 19 courtesy of the chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Barry McElduff.

The local charity was established in June 1995 and provides a free, independent, generalist advice and representational service on Social Security benefits, debt/money advice, Employment Law, housing, consumer rights and other welfare issues.

Manager, Michael Roddy said: “That for any community/voluntary organisation to be celebrating 30 years is a remarkable achievement. The organisation has faced major funding issues over the years and has had to help people cope with recession, government austerity, welfare reform, Covid and an ongoing cost of living crisis. The success of the organisation is down to several factors. The dedication, commitment and vision of the staff and management committee, the faith shown in us by our funders, particularly Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and all of the centre users new and repeat who continue to avail of the services we provide.”

Over the last 30 years, the organisation has dealt with over 275,000 enquiries, represented at 2,000 Appeal Tribunals, dealt with £70 million in debt and assisted clients to secure £37 million via benefit claims and Tribunal representation. Mr Roddy said: “These figures clearly show that the organisation has been tackling social exclusion head on and in doing so has not only improved our client’s quality of life but also brought much needed revenue into the local economy.”

Jim Sharkey, chairperson of the management committee added: “That it was a great achievement to still be operating after 30 years particularly given the huge financial challenges that the organisation has had to cope with often at the same time as having to manage increasing demand on its services.”

Cllr McElduff said as a public representative, he referred many people to Omagh Independent Advice Services for their expertise, advice and support.

“I have great confidence when I am doing this, knowing that I have referred them to the correct people. I am proud also to serve as a member of the Management board of OIAS where I can contribute to the strategic development of the organisation. I want to commend the whole team, especially their professional advisors who keep abreast of legislative and policy changes so as to be of maximum benefit to the community.

“They have clawed back millions of pounds that would otherwise have been unclaimed, for the benefit of local families. Crucially, people need to know that their service offering is wide-ranging and includes employment matters, housing and much more”.

Fiona Magee Acting CEO of Advice NI also prised the work of the service.

“For 30 years, Omagh Independent Advice Services has been at the heart of its community - offering expert advice and support to those who need it most. Advice NI is proud to celebrate this milestone with such a dedicated and respected member of our network.”

Client’s comments:

• “I would be completely lost without this service. They are such a wonderful and dedicated team, who are so good at what they do. I could never thank them enough”

• “I would never have been able to resolve my problem without the help of OIAS. I had a lot of issues due to domestic violence and associated mental health problems. I honestly couldn't recommend them enough. Thank you so much for providing such a fantastic service”.

• “I was made redundant and had no idea what to do next. The staff were very helpful and got everything sorted out for me. Thank you for all your help”.

Omagh Independent Advice Services is based on the second floor of Omagh Community House.