The History Of Fermanagh Voluntary Association Of The Disabled
The History Of Fermanagh Voluntary Association Of The Disabled
1966
Founded
Organisation founded by Mrs.E.G.Barr, Miss E.G.Boyd, Mrs p.Bryson, Mrs M. Caldwell, Mr D. Caldwell, Mr J. Curry, Miss M. Curry, Miss S. Murray, Mrs E. Scott, Mrs McManus (who is still an active member) and Mr P.F. McGovern, existing director and chairman.
1987
Premises
Through door to door fundraising, street collectins, raffles and jumble sales etc, organisation purchased own premises (64 Mill Street), where current activities still run today.
2003
Community Garden
Successfully obtained funding from ‘The Creating Common Ground Consortium’ to turn piece of derelict ground at the rear of the premises into a ‘Community Garden’
2004
Disability Directory Listing Services
Received funding from OFMDFM in this ‘European Year Of The Disabled’ to publish a disability directory listing services for and by the disabled in Fermanagh.
2005
Survey Of Disability Needs
Undertook a ‘Survey Of Disability Needs’ in County Fermanagh
2006
40 Years
Celebrated 40 years of working with and for the disabled in Fermanagh
2007
Organic Garden
Obtained funding from Fermanagh LSP to turn another piece of derelict land into an organic garden at the rear of the centre
2008
Polytunnel
Through networking with The Western Health & Social Care Trust, erected a polytunnel in the grounds of the centre
2009
Charity Shop Opens
Organisation set up a charity shop in the building where clothes, bric-a-brac, book and furniture are being sold to the public.
2010
Garden Provides Employment & Funds
Through successful gardening, centre is now selling plants, flowers and vegetables to the public. These are cultivated from seeds and provide worthwhile employment opportunities for disabled people and volunteers.
2019
Belcas Donation
Towards the end of 2018 Belcas, a local company in Enniskillen donated to the Charity centre sleepers for a project we are planning in the Springtime.
Thank you for your kind donation
2019
Social Room at FVAD Finished
It is with great pleasure I’m happy to announce that the new Social Room has been completed and is ready for use. We had our first open night on Thursday 25th May which was well attended by our Charity Members.
All this was made possible by the kind donations of friends of FVAD and I can only express how truly grateful we are for the hard work that has been done over the last few weeks to ensure that we are able to deliver a safe environment for all to enjoy.
THANK YOU to all
2020
Thank you Enniskillen Rotarians
Our Heartfelt thanks go to Enniskillen Rotarians for their kind donation of a New KItchen for our charity. 
Current Services
Over the years, the ethos of the organistaion has remained unchanged.
Working with and for the disabled is paramount to the volunteers, staff and committee alike.
The range of services has evolved over the years to include:
>Social Evenings twice a month
>Recreational and Educational Trips
Training Courses which include:
IT Access – Computer Courses – Art/Craft – Health – Life Skills – First Aid
Personal User Service
Information / Helpline for members/people with a disability.
Community Repaint Scheme where paint is taken in from the public, is recycled and re-distributed to those on benefits and community groups
Seminars and Conferences
Cross Border Work – Partners are ‘The Irish Wheelchair Association’ in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co,Leitrim
Our centre is a meeting place for people of all disabilities seen and unseen where they can find opportunities in which to get involved. The gardens are maintained by disabled adults and most of the courses are run by disabled people.