Fermanagh Trust

County Fermanagh's Community Foundation, supporting community & voluntary endeavour & making Fermanagh a better place. Based at @FermanaghHouse

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

🌱This week, we celebrated the completion of our Growing Programme, delivered in partnership with Cavan County Local Development and supported through funding from the International Fund for Ireland.

Over the past four months, participants took part in a series of hands-on learning sessions led by expert grower Cathriona McKiernan, following the Square Foot Gardening method. Together, they experienced the full growing journey, from sowing seeds and nurturing young plants through to maintaining healthy crops and harvesting the rewards of their hard work.

Throughout the programme, the group learned how to:
🌿 Maximise growing space.
🌱 Successfully grow crops from seed to harvest.
🥕 The benefits of crop rotation for healthy soil and productive crops.
🐞 Identify common pests and use natural, biological methods to manage them.
🌾 Care for crops throughout the growing season and harvest them at the right time.

The results were impressive, with participants growing a wonderful variety of produce including leeks, beans, peas, broccoli, potatoes, radishes and a selection of fresh herbs. Plenty for everyone to take home and enjoy.

The programme welcomed people of all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced growers. Regardless of where they started, everyone came away with new knowledge, practical skills, useful tips and, perhaps most importantly, new friendships and connections within the community.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, to Cathriona McKiernan for sharing her expertise and enthusiasm throughout the programme. Also, our partners Cavan County Local Development and the International Fund for Ireland for making the programme possible.

Here's to many more successful growing seasons ahead🌼🥔🌿

[National Childhood Network @ncn4children]

🎙️Episode 15 of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks is now available – it’s the final episode of Series 2!

In this episode, we speak with Rhona McKeever from St John the Baptist College about the school’s shared education partnership with Killicomaine Junior High School. The conversation explores the importance of pupil voice, inclusive spaces where every child can be heard, and practical ways schools can support participation, confidence and autonomy.

Tune in to hear how meaningful pupil involvement is helping to strengthen collaboration and create shared learning experiences shaped by young people. Listen now and join us for the final episode of Series 2.

Spotify: https://t.co/zlF3rCEGDl
Amazon Music: https://t.co/g55Y8QNltM
Apple Podcasts: https://t.co/ZasqAsAoRr
NCN PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: https://t.co/TKE7u0mn7w

#PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #sharededucation #LearningTogether #BuildingCommunity

@seupb @ed_authority @earlyyearsorg @leargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

🌍 Congratulations to the young people from Fermanagh and Cavan who have completed the Generation Nature programme.

Delivered through the Empowering Communities for Climate Change initiative, Generation Nature was developed by Fermanagh Trust and Cavan County Local Development, with support from the International Fund for Ireland. Over recent months, participants have explored local woodlands, rivers and lakes, developed practical conservation skills and delivered projects to enhance biodiversity in their communities.

The programme placed young people at the centre of environmental action, helping them to build knowledge, confidence and leadership skills while strengthening their connection with the natural environment.

Congratulations to all 20 participants, who were presented with their John Muir Award and Leave No Trace certification at a recent celebration event, recognising their commitment to discovering, conserving and sharing wild places.

Thanks to conservation and bushcraft specialist Tony Smith and the team at Oakwood Bushcraft Forest School & Wilderness Living for facilitating the programme and providing participants with valuable learning experiences throughout.

Read the full story below.
https://t.co/cuLzPC0qx9

[Education Authority @Ed_Authority]

✨ PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Partnerships in Action
We’re spotlighting Deele College and The Royal & Prior, in Raphoe, who are showing the power of partnership — bringing young people together through music, drama, dance and shared learning to build friendships, confidence and stronger community connections. Through their long-running collaboration, students have worked side by side on productions and community-focused activities that encourage teamwork, creativity, inclusion and understanding. 🤝
💡 Find out more about what they have accomplished, the impact of their partnership and helpful ideas for others developing shared education links. ➡️ https://t.co/OlIeGCwt4A
#PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation
@seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

Could you be the next Fermanagh Young Leader?

Applications are now open for the Fermanagh Young Leaders Programme, offering young people aged 17–25 the chance to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience in grant-making and help decide how £4,000 of funding is awarded to local community projects.

Former participants, including Leah Lattimore, have gained valuable experience, built confidence, developed new skills and gone on to take part in exciting opportunities locally and internationally. The programme is a fantastic addition to any CV, with participants also achieving an OCN qualification.

If you're passionate about making a difference in your community, building your leadership skills and meeting like-minded young people from across Fermanagh, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

📅 The programme runs from September 2026 to April 2027, with weekly sessions at Fermanagh House, Enniskillen.

Apply now and take your first step towards becoming a future community leader.

🔗 Read the full story and find out how to apply:
https://t.co/RlcV9pVkF8

As part of the Investing in Community Volunteers Programme, one of 13 programmes as detailed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, a project supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

Congratulations to the latest recipients of the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards👏🎶

We are delighted to celebrate this talented group of young musicians and performers from across Fermanagh who have been awarded support to pursue exceptional training and development opportunities in music, performance and Irish culture.

From traditional Irish music and choral singing to musical theatre and professional performance programmes, these bursaries will help each recipient continue developing their skills and ambitions. Their dedication, talent and commitment are a credit to themselves, their families and our wider community.

We wish Lorcán McManus, Dáire John Dunne, Ava Owens, Dathí Ó Maonaile, John Cathcart, Cahir Ó Maonaile, Solenn Beeson, Zinnia Beeson and Loveday Beeson every success as they take part in these exciting opportunities.

Read more about this year's recipients and their achievements below ⬇️
https://t.co/5eZudLXHua

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

Want to make a greater impact in your community?

Registrations are now open for the Diploma in Community Development Practice (2026–2027).

This course, facilitated by Fermanagh Trust and Rural Community Network, offers an opportunity to participants to explore community development in detail and to learn from the experiences of development initiatives elsewhere.

Designed for volunteers, committee members, community activists and those working across the community and voluntary sector, the Diploma will help participants develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to support positive change in their local area.

📚 Gain a recognised qualification
🤝 Learn alongside others passionate about community development
🌍 Explore real-life examples of successful community initiatives

For full details and to register, click here:
https://t.co/hiZIiUUIjc

As part of the Investing in Community Volunteers Programme, offering training and development opportunities for volunteers, committee members and staff working across the community and voluntary sector in Fermanagh and Omagh. The Investing in Community Volunteers Programme is one of 13 programmes as detailed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, a project supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

[Education Authority @Ed_Authority]

✨ PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Partnerships in Action series spotlights schools and settings who have been innovative in elevating pupil voice, embracing different cultures and improving collaboration between schools, settings and local communities. 🤝

First in the series is Learn N Play and Stepping Stones Playgroup, pre-school settings both based in Letterkenny. 🌟 This partnership is being spotlighted for bringing children, families and communities together through shared education, culture and diversity, helping young children build confidence, friendship and a sense of belonging.

💡 Find out more about what they have accomplished and helpful ideas ➡️
https://t.co/slUqb86oxC

#PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation

@seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

🌍As we celebrate #VolunteersWeek, we're proud to highlight the incredible commitment of local people who are making a positive impact in communities around the world.

Through the Fisher Foundation, administered by Fermanagh Trust, £15,000 has been awarded this year to volunteers and organisations from across Fermanagh undertaking overseas development projects. From supporting education and healthcare initiatives to community development and youth programmes, these grants are helping local volunteers put compassion and service into action on a global scale.

Since 2003, the Fisher Foundation has supported more than 500 volunteers from Fermanagh and distributed over £550,000 to overseas volunteering projects, creating lasting benefits for communities abroad while enriching the lives and experiences of those taking part.

Congratulations to all this year's recipients, and thank you for representing Fermanagh so positively through your dedication and generosity.

🔗 Read the full story https://t.co/LxoLhi8pGq

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

⏰ Reminder – there’s still time to apply.

Applications for the 2026 Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund remain open, with grants available to support projects that make a positive difference across local communities.

Pictured are representatives from community groups across Derrylin, Killesher, Kinawley, Teemore and surrounding areas who received funding through last year’s programme.

From outdoor learning spaces and sensory gardens to wellbeing initiatives, cultural projects and sports development, the fund continues to invest in ideas that strengthen community life.

If your organisation has a project that could enhance education, wellbeing, sustainability, culture or community engagement, we encourage you to apply.

Community groups across West Fermanagh and nearby areas of Cavan located within 12 kilometres of the wind farm are eligible to apply.

📅 Closing date: 15 June 2026

Find out more and submit your application here: https://t.co/o2WaL1fPW5

[Education Authority @Ed_Authority]

🎧 Tune in to Episode 13 of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE podcast and hear from Aideen Bruen and Paul Gallagher on strengthening pupil voice in school life - and don’t forget to catch up on previous episodes too! 🎙️✨
Spotify: https://t.co/CtvcTmv23F
Amazon Music: https://t.co/jcUBWXDx7T
Apple Podcasts: https://t.co/RhYeBbNmmZ
EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: https://t.co/5TOw9L3e6F

#PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation

@seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

📣 Applications are now open for the Fermanagh Young Leaders Forum

Fermanagh Trust is delighted to invite applications for this exciting opportunity for young people aged 17–25 to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and make a real difference in their local community.

Running from September 2026 – April 2027, the programme gives participants the opportunity to take part in weekly sessions where they will:
✅ Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
✅ Gain a recognised OCN qualification in Community Development
✅ Build valuable experience for CVs, further education, and employment
✅ Work together to identify key issues affecting young people
✅ Play a direct role in awarding grant funding to local projects
✅ Contribute to meaningful change in their community

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to help shape the future of your community, we’d love to hear from you.

🗓 Closing date for applications is 1st September 2026.

Find out more and apply here: https://t.co/BtI0a3tD4l

Fermanagh Young Leaders Programme is administered by Fermanagh Trust through our Investing in Community Volunteers programme. The Investing in Community Volunteers Programme is one of 13 programmes as detailed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, a project supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

[Education Authority @Ed_Authority]

🎙️ Episode 13 of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE podcast is now available! 🎧
In this episode, Aideen Bruen of Cliffoney National School and Paul Gallagher of Four Masters National School discuss the importance of pupil voice in school life. From student councils to friendship squads, they share how children are helping to shape inclusive environments and influence meaningful decisions in their schools.
Spotify: https://t.co/CtvcTmv23F
Amazon Music: https://t.co/jcUBWXDx7T
Apple Podcasts: https://t.co/RhYeBbNmmZ
EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: https://t.co/5TOw9L3e6F

#PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation

@seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

Today our Director Lauri McCusker spoke at the NI Environment Forum organised by Agenda NI. A key gathering bringing together policymakers, practitioners and community leaders to explore responses to environmental issues across Northern Ireland.

Lauri shared how the Fermanagh Trust has long supported environmental and community work through a simple principle: real progress happens when communities are empowered to lead.

His presentation focused on empowering communities for environmental issues and the importance of local solutions to global, national and regional challenges. Highlighting examples from community energy projects, sustainable community buildings, walking trails and local wellbeing initiatives showing both what has been achieved and the barriers communities continue to face.

Lauri also reflected on wider learning from across the UK and Ireland including how stronger participation ownership and support structures are needed to enable communities to lead effectively. “The most effective responses to environmental issues happen when communities are not just involved but trusted and enabled to take ownership.”

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

Meet Generation Nature 🌍

A group of 15–16 year olds choosing to spend their free time doing something that really matters. Through our 8-session programme (April – June 2026), they’re gaining hands-on conservation skills, growing in confidence and stepping up as voices for nature in their own communities.

Guided by Tony Smith of Oakwood Bushcraft Forest School & Wilderness Living, here’s what two of our recent sessions looked like:

🦇 Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, Fermanagh
Species Awareness & Wildlife Skills
Participants discovered the world of bats and local wildlife, learning how to observe, record, and protect species.

💧 Castle Saunderson, Cavan
Rivers, Lakes & Water Systems
From one stunning landscape to another, the group explored freshwater ecosystems, carried out water quality testing and discovered how land use and climate affect the rivers and lakes we all share.

By the end of the programme, each participant will have earned their John Muir Award and Leave No Trace Award, because these young people aren’t just learning about nature, they’re taking responsibility for it. 🏅

Supported by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), ‘Empowering Communities for Climate Change’ is delivered by The Fermanagh Trust and Cavan County Local Development

[Fermanagh Trust @FermanaghTrust]

Applications now open for the 2026 Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund.

Representatives from community groups across Derrylin, Killesher, Kinawley, Teemore and nearby areas are pictured receiving funding through last year’s awards.

From outdoor learning spaces and sensory gardens to wellbeing programmes, cultural initiatives and sports development, the fund continues to support projects that make a real difference across local communities.

If your organisation has an idea that could enhance education, wellbeing, sustainability, culture or community life, now is the time to apply.

Community groups across West Fermanagh and nearby Cavan (within 12 kilometres of the wind farm) are being encouraged to apply to the Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund, with the closing date for this year’s applications 15th June 2026.

Find out more and apply here 👉 https://t.co/o2WaL1fPW5

[Education Authority @Ed_Authority]

🎙️ Exciting news! Episode 12 of our PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks Shared Education podcast series is now live. This episode explores inspiring stories from early years educators who have run joint sessions in collaborative preschool settings. We also get to hear from some of the children within the settings. Discover how shared learning experiences and the Lundy Model of Participation are making a difference in preschool education. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on pupil voice, partnership, and meaningful participation.

Spotify: https://t.co/CtvcTmv23F
Amazon Music: https://t.co/jcUBWXDx7T
Apple Podcasts: https://t.co/RhYeBbNmmZ
EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: https://t.co/5TOw9L3e6F

#PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation
@seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

[SEUPB @SEUPB]

Take a look at this video highlighting the progress and impact of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project 🎥

First shown at ASPIRE’s Festival of Learning on 29 April, a major event celebrating collaboration and shared education across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, the video showcases how shared education is helping to build lasting partnerships across communities.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE (Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education) is led by the @Ed_Authority, alongside @Leargas, @earlyyearsorg, @ncn4children and @FermanaghTrust.

[Education Authority @Ed_Authority]

⏰🎙️ There’s still time to tune in to episode 11 of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks with Norman Richardson, where we tackle the challenges and opportunities of shared education in a divided society. If you’ve missed any previous episodes, now’s the perfect chance to catch up and be inspired by our Shared Education experts and educators. Listen today and join the conversation! 🎧

Spotify: https://t.co/CtvcTmv23F
Amazon Music: https://t.co/jcUBWXDx7T
Apple Podcasts: https://t.co/RhYeBbNmmZ
EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: https://t.co/5TOw9L3e6F

#PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation

@seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire