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Garden office opening 2016 Colly to add photos I have

Our Garden Office – A Milestone for the Charity

 

Since 2011, our volunteers have and continue to work from home,  contributing what they can, when able. As the charity grew, so too did the need for a dedicated space to store information packs, awareness materials, conference regalia, and other resources.

 

When Joan’s home could no longer accommodate the ever-growing supplies, our members came together to make something special happen. Thanks to their generosity, our humble Charity Garden Office was built and officially opened on 31st August 2016.

 

The office is uniquely special – it is situated between Joan’s house and on her mum, May's land. This thoughtful arrangement means the charity has a permanent base without any rent or rates, allowing every penny to go directly into our awareness, support, and advocacy work. The office is small but completely accommodating to the charity needs. 
 

The garden office truly symbolises the heart of our charity. It was made possible entirely through the support of our patient members and the wider community. Donations included:

• The full cost of building the office, gifted by patient members

• A carpet, swivel chairs, office desks, coffee machine, kettle and more, all kindly donated by supporters

• Filing cabinets and cupboards were generously donated by the Confederation of Community Groups in Newry

 

To mark the occasion, we hosted a celebration attended by the Lord Mayor of Newry Council (who carried out the official opening), local councillors, and board members from the Patient Client Council.

 

Dozens of our members from all across N.I. made a huge effort to attend the event, which was filled with warmth and community spirit. A harpist provided light entertainment, and with the help of a rented marquee, everyone was able to gather comfortably.
 

Outside caterers served a hot buffet, and afterwards, tea was enjoyed with a special treat – a traditional “Hope” cake.

 

The traditional “Hope” cake, was shared among members and guests. The cake symbolised the strength, unity, and optimism at the heart of our charity, as we continue building bridges to a better future for all of our M.E., Fibromyalgia and now since the pandemic in 2019, Post-Covid M.E. patient community.