Encirc fund powers grassroots action to tackle poverty in Fermanagh

County Fermanagh is set to benefit from a wave of community-led initiatives thanks to the Encirc Tackling Poverty Fund, a targeted fund established by Encirc and administered by the Fermanagh Trust.

The significant funding allocation is empowering local organisations to deliver practical, compassionate responses to poverty, isolation, and hardship.

The initiative is part of Encirc’s Social Impact Strategy which is built around one clear aim: to raise the aspirational glass ceiling in its local communities. Encirc, part of the Vidrala Group, want to reduce deprivation, create opportunities, and invest in a brighter future for all the community.

The funding will support seven impactful projects:

• First Housing Aid and Support Services will rent storage units to house donated furniture, enabling rapid crisis response and tenancy support while promoting sustainability and dignity.
• Carrowshee Park Sylvan Hill Community Association will launch a community fridge and warm meals initiative, alongside workshops on budgeting, cooking, and energy-saving—fostering resilience and reducing stigma.
• Home-Start Lakeland will provide urgent, flexible support to families in crisis, including transport assistance, volunteer support, and gift vouchers for children’s birthdays and Christmas.
• Action for Children will support vulnerable young people in supported housing with budgeting workshops, food and fuel vouchers, and essential winter clothing.
• Connect Fermanagh will expand its telephone befriending service by distributing energy-efficient household items such as electric fleece blankets and thermal clothing, helping people stay warm and connected.
• Erne East Community Partnership Ltd (Oak Healthy Living Centre) will continue its vital drop-in service for individuals facing isolation, addiction, and mental health challenges through weekly sessions, outreach, and advocacy.
• Community Advice Fermanagh will deliver benefit entitlement checks and financial advice clinics across the county, particularly targeting rural and isolated communities.

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust, said: “We are delighted to announce the first awards from this new fund. The organisations receiving support are rooted in their communities and know first-hand the challenges people are facing. From food and fuel to financial advice, befriending, and family support, these projects will make a real difference.”

Lauri added: “It is encouraging to see a major employer like Encirc working with us to tackle poverty locally, combining corporate commitment with community expertise.”

Encirc Managing Director, Sean Murphy said: “The Encirc Tackling Poverty Fund was created with a very clear purpose; to stand alongside those who are working tirelessly at the heart of our communities, tackling poverty, hardship, and isolation. Seeing how this fund is now powering real, grassroots action across County Fermanagh is both heartening and inspiring.”

Sean continued: “I want to thank the Fermanagh Trust for their outstanding role in administering this fund and ensuring that support reaches those organisations making the greatest impact. Most importantly, I want to pay tribute to the community groups and volunteers represented here today. From supporting families in crisis to providing warm meals, befriending services, and financial advice, you are transforming lives every single day. It is your compassion, energy, and determination that give this fund its true meaning.”

He concluded: “At Encirc, we believe that business has a responsibility to give back, not only to create economic value, but social value too. The projects supported through this round of funding reflect that belief and demonstrate the difference we can make when industry and community work hand in hand. Well done also our charity committee who have worked with Fermanagh Trust to deliver this project which will no doubt have a meaningful impact on our community.”