Old Library Trust launches ‘Strategic Plan 2022-2025’ at Derry AGM

The capacity attendance at the annual general meeting of the Old Library Trust (OLT) in the Creggan centre was informed by project director George McGowan that a 'new strategic plan' would guide the work of the group for the next three years and set out its 'ambitious goals' to ensure it continued to deliver 'excellent' programmes and services for the local communty.

Presenting OLT's annual report, Mr. McGowan said: “Coming out of the recent pandemic, we intend to continue to support this community to the best of our ability.

“This is a an extremely challenging time for us all. We are trying to instil confidence and encourage people to get involved in any way to help improve their general health and wellbeing.

“As you’ve heard from our co-ordinators today, we have continued to maintain a high quality of standard in all our programmes and services throughout Covid, adding new projects tailored to meet the needs of local people and as a result have seen increasing numbers of local people engaging in our activities.

“We want this to continue and for more people to trust us to assist them to improve their quality of life.’

The Old Library Trust, based on Central Drive in the Creggan area of the city, was established in July 2001 to deliver programmes and services that improve the social, physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents living in the area.

Today, around 2,000-plus people come through the doors of the OLT Healthy Living Centre each week.

Chairperson Charlie O’Donnell welcomed members, users and public attendees, before giving an overview of the year’s activities at Old Library Trust. He also thanked the board for their continued commitment throughout what was another ‘successful year’ under difficult pandemic conditions.

After the minutes were presented and approved, the board of directors for the 2022-23 year were formally appointed. This was followed by the annual accounts’ adoption and then the project director’s annual report.

Mr. McGowan emphasised that the organisation would continue to listen to the needs of the community in delivering overall health and mental wellbeing for all and stressed this was highlighted in the release of the ‘strategic plan’ for the next three years.

He went on to praise his staff and volunteers at the Trust and mentioned their willingness to attend new courses offered in upskilling for the benefit of the local community.

“All our staff and indeed volunteers continue to step forward, go the extra mile and learn new skills that help advance all we are trying to achieve here at OLT.

“A big thank you also to our many funders who continue to show confidence in Creggan by their unceasing support and funding.”

One of the highlights of the AGM was testimonies from some of the service users with Liam O’Driscoll stating: ‘We couldn’t do without the Old Library Trust in Creggan. The staff do great work, run fantastic programmes that suit the local community and is very important to the Creggan.’

Another, Rachel O’Doherty, praised the OLT ‘Older People and DEEDS’ programme for ‘bringing mygranny out of herself.' She explained how her grandmother had developed a new self-dependency through taking part in the programme, and has blossomed over the period.

Other service users also praised the centre and what is offered to the community, mentioning some of the programmes that had ‘changed their lives.’ These included the DEEDS project; First Family Hub; Healthy Lifestyles; Long Term Condition Management and the take up of the clinics within the centre.

Mr. McGowan concluded: ‘Our strategic plan shows how we will build a healthier resilient and better-connected community. It demonstrates how we will encourage and enable supported self-management and it sets out how we will support local families, individuals, organisations and also shows that we at OLT are committed to fighting for every one of you, to act as your voice and to help this community, city and district prosper.

In calling the meeting to a close, Mr McGowan thanked everyone for their continued support and called on all to move forward together over the next three years through the new strategic plan.