ARC Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown welcomed HRH The Duke of Kent to a sunny Irvinestown at lunchtime to showcase how the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers improves the well-being of many local people, through engagement and community health services and activities.

HRH The Duke of Kent was joined by Lord Lieutenant of County Fermanagh, Viscount Brookeborough, and met the ARC directors, as well as the many managers and participants of the crucial projects such as the CHERISH Surestart programme. CHERISH aims to improve the life opportunities for young children aged under 4 through better health, childcare, play and educational programmes.

ARC Chief Executive Jenny Irvine said “Everyone who comes through the doors at ARC is a VIP, but today we’re delighted to welcome HRH The Duke of Kent. This opportunity allows us to highlight the transformational change which ARC has seen over the past 14 years, helping to improve the lives of many local people some of whom we are delighted to have here today.” “ARC Healthy Living Centre allows a co-location of a range of health and social care initiatives, and I believe acts as the catalyst to help people help themselves.” Maura Mason Manager of the Western Childcare Partnership commented: “To cherish is care for, to hold dear, to treasure. With these as our guiding principles we seek to: Improve social and emotional development, Improve health, Improve the ability to learn and strengthen families and communities.” HRH The Duke of Kent also met and chatted with local people who have benefited from the SOLACE project. This project provides a support service within a community environment for those living with addiction – this involves a befriending support service not only to the client, but to their families, and wider communities.

In addition His Royal Highness met a range of volunteers from uniformed organisations, hospital volunteers and recipients of the British Empire Medal.