“It’s the people who cross that doorstep who are the real heroes in the Aisling Centre,” says this week’s Fermanagh Trust Community Hero Edel Bannon.

A founding member of Enniskillen’s Aisling Centre, Sister Edel has been a member of the Sisters of Mercy since she was 18 years old.

Described as “a truly inspiring lady”, who “gives of herself, her time and skills”, Edel comments: “You’ve no idea how hard it is for people to take that step and to come into the Aisling Centre, but once they get through the door, they’re flying.” Standing in Enniskillen with a collection bucket for the Aisling Centre recently, Edel was approached by a young person. “As I was placing the sticker on them I asked if they knew anything about the centre. They told me: ‘I know all about it. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the Aisling Centre.’ “If we are able to help just one person, that can make such a difference to their life,” Edel reflects.

From Boho, Edel joined the religious institute in 1964. She entered the convent in Enniskillen before taking up a teaching post in Castleblaney. This was followed by administration work in Clogher and Dublin before getting involved with the creation of the Aisling Centre.

Recalling the early days, Edel gives credit to Sister Mary Daly for recognising that people needed a safe space in the community where they could talk and be heard.

“The idea came to Mary from working in the community and seeing that there was a need. Then she started searching for a property and found this place.” The Aisling Centre opened in 1990 and Edel managed it until 1995, working diligently to raise funds and to expand services.

“One of the good ideas at the beginning was the coffee shop,” she recalls. “It meant there was no stigma attached to coming into the Aisling Centre, plus it was a good income generator.

“We’ve been very well supported by local businesses and the local community over the years,” she adds.

The Aisling Centre quickly became “an incubator for other organisations”. Other counselling services such as Nexus, Women’s Aid and the Community Mental Health team used the facility. While some developed and grew, others remain and the Aisling Centre is now used by around 20 organisations.

Less than 50 per cent of its funding comes from the Western Trust and fundraising efforts and voluntary contributions make up the remainder.

“When I returned in 2005 as a member of the Board of Management it was wonderful to see that the original open door and cross community policy had been retained. We never turn anyone away and we can direct people to other services, or they can direct people to us.

“I always felt that the need walked in the door and then the right person seemed to come along who could meet that need.” Edel’s work with the Aisling Centre was not part of her plan when she entered the Sisters of Mercy. She expected to be in a teaching or nursing role but she would not change a thing. Edel concludes: “I love this work. There is something vital about it. You fell you are making a difference and people appreciate it very much.”