Lobbying must continue to secure group’s long-term future

Editorial Department • Published 12 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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What a difference a week makes. Last week the 44 Fermanagh families who use the services of Positive Futures in Lisnaskea were battling for its survival.

Today, the voluntary group which has assisted disabled children and their families in Fermanagh for six years will now remain open until March 2011 after being given more funding by the Health and Social Care Board.

The Board had said it had no money to fund the venture but it appears after a crucial meeting that a reprieve has been handed down to the group -- for the next number of months at least.

This is a U-turn that brings real hope to the families with the most vulnerable of children.

The success of keeping this most vital service on board was as a result no doubt of clever lobbying. The group sought out the support of all politicians of all persuasions and indeed, they got it.

Local MLA Arlene Foster met with the Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board on Monday to fight for the service to remain open.

Just hours later, the Board dramatically overturned their decision. She made mention that the lobbying across the board was the effective way to lobby for help.

And how effective it is for everyone to work together. That galvanisation of all political beliefs must remain as this is a reprieve for a matter of months only.

The next step is to lobby and gain mainstream funding so that there is a secure future for the service long-term. Interestingly, similar services in other areas have received mainstream funding.

The fight must remain and it is positive to hear that the families are ready to continue with their efforts, organising to go to speak to the Stormont Health Committee.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Aug 10

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