13/03/2026
Yesterday Omagh Healthy Living celebrated the completion of the latest 8-week Better Days Pain Support Programme.
The programme continues to make a real difference locally by providing people living with chronic pain the opportunity to learn practical coping strategies, improve their wellbeing and connect with others who understand the challenges they face.
Over the eight weeks, participants took part in a range of weekly sessions focused on supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. These included breathing techniques and chair-based yoga with Bridin from Orba Yoga Retreat & Health Spa, along with educational talks covering pain management, medication, nutrition, physiotherapy, mental wellbeing and sleep.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the delivery of this programme, including Shauna from Arthritis UK, Pharmacist Joe Brogan, Shauna Robinson, Health Improvement Nutritionalist Western Health and Social Care Trust, Ciara Deery from Active Physio, Ellie Leonard (WHSCT) and Catherine McManus from Omagh Healthy Living. Their input helped make the programme informative, supportive and practical for everyone who attended.
The programme concluded with a celebration event to recognise the commitment and progress of all participants. We were joined by the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, who spoke about the benefit and impact of the Better Days programme in the local area, particularly the importance of social connection and peer support. Councillor McElduff, along with Joe Brogan, Better Days Steering Group and Healthy Living Centre Alliance Director presented certificates to participants in recognition of their achievement.
During the celebration, the group also learned about the MyCare App from Johnny Willox and Mark Hoban from Encompass, giving useful information on how the MyCare app can support people to manage their health and access services more easily.
We would like to thank the community organisations who attended to provide information stands and highlight the wide range of support available locally. These included Una Darcy from Easilink Community Transport, Sandra Armstrong from Fermanagh & Omagh PCSP, Michael Ruddy from Omagh Independent Advice Service, Jill Donnelly from Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, Diane Wilson from Dementia NI, representatives from NIFRS, Gerry from RNID and Martina Virtue from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke
Thank you also to Laura and St Columba's Church Omagh for the use of the hall over the past 8 weeks and the beautiful food yesterday. (Ruth's traybakes were so tasty!)
We would like to thank everyone involved in the programme, and especially the participants, whose commitment and support for one another are what make the Better Days programme such a success each year.
Healthy Living Centre Alliance Public Health Agency The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland
