Share_Your_Story

4 Foreword by the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council As Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to provide the foreword to ‘Share Your Story’ which documents, through a series of personal experiences, how a community came together in the face of significant challenges and at an unprecedented time in our history. These are extraordinary times inwhichwe are currently living. There is no handbook as to how to deal with a pandemic that has had such an impact on all our lives. We have had to adjust to a new normal and undoubtedly the effect on individuals and communities has been enormous. The wider community, be it as individuals or as groups and organisations, has once again reacted magnificently in the face of adversity, and provided a great deal of support to those most in need, whilst also facing their own challenges around operating within restrictions, loss of income, increasing demands on services and cash flow difficulties. There have been many examples of people responding to the exceptional circumstance such as checking on elderly neighbours, doing sponsored events to raisemoney for theNHS and other charities, delivering food parcels and medication to those who are shielding to name but a few. Out of adversity, there are always positives to be taken. New friendships were made and partnerships established which will be built upon and thrive long after the pandemic has passed. We also discover so much about ourselves as human beings when times are tough; our resilience, compassion and capacity to help others. ‘Share Your Story’ is an uplifting and inspiring collection of stories of how communities dealt with the fallout of a global pandemic and how human spirit, determination and inherent goodness overcame what at times seemed to be unsurmountable challenges. This book tells your stories in your own words capturing the experiences of people from across the district during this time by exploring how you have come together to support each other when it was most needed. Councillor Chris Smyth Chairman Fermanagh and Omagh District Council November 2020