IN HER final engagement in Fermanagh as First Minister, Arlene Foster launched a new foundation that will help to tackle mental health and physical vitality in Fermanagh.

Arriving at the premises of Smart Gym, Lisnaskea on Friday afternoon after a busy morning with leaders at the British Irish Council, Mrs. Foster joined with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chair, Councillor Errol Thompson, to launch the new foundation.

The Fermanagh Mental Wellness and Physical Vitality Foundation is a culmination of cross-community representatives with a common passion in health and fitness.

The recently established group will use facilities at Smart Gym, Lisnaskea to encourage service users to work through a programme of training, nutrition, and mental health support. The programme will take place at Smart Gym with the in-house staff leading the programme.

The group are beginning to associate themselves with several organisations throughout Fermanagh, but access to this group's work can be done on an individual basis if someone wishes to access the programme individually.

Commenting on the launch, Mrs. Foster said: “I think this is a great facility here because it is making the link between physical wellbeing and mental health.

"I think the fact that they have that service here in a very relaxed atmosphere is really good, and they've done a great job.

"This is obviously an old factory building, but it played home to some great initiatives.”

Speaking to those who attended the launch, Council Chair Errol Thompson said: “We are all too aware of the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on our lives over the past 15 months, and it has undoubtedly impacted negatively on our mental and physical health and wellbeing.

"However, there are better days ahead, and with more places re-opening because of restrictions easing, the facility here in Lisnaskea is opening at the best possible time for the people of the town and surrounding area.

Former SDLP MLA Richie McPhillips, who recently lost his brother to suicide, was full of praise for the initiative, and for any such initiative that helps to support and promote better mental health.

Mr. McPhillips said: “It is great to see these individuals coming forward with such a great project.

"Lockdown, and Covid – so much has happened over the past 18 months, and anywhere where you can get wellbeing promoted – be it for a man, woman or child [is important].

"Anything that is done in a public manner like this is great to see.”

To end the engagement, Mrs. Foster was presented with a bouquet by Avana and Micheala Ihnat.