Springwell Centre is set to finally close

The Edward St centre had been threatened with closure in March this year due to lack of funding but a mystery benefactor stepped in and it remained open.

The centre was supported by a number of funders and provided a wealth of services including family and parenting support, advice, training and counselling. It was established in February 1993 by a group of local women.

However in a statement on the Springwell Centre’s Facebook page, centre co-ordinator Sr Philomena Horner said that the centre has “reached the last curtain call”.

It will close for business when it takes its Christmas break. The centre provided parenting support, personal development, health education and counselling.

When it opened there were two volunteer staff and five families involved. After 20 years there were seven core staff, two sessional therapists, several volunteers and a number of student counsellors. More than 400 families used the services every year.

The centre had also developed strong links with the Lurgan community, working with several community organisations as well as the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, GPs and schools.

“It is a difficult time for the staff and directors, all of whom have shown tremendous commitment and loyalty to Springwell over the years,” said Sr Philomena.

“As the founder and co-ordinator of the organisation, I want to publicly thank the staff, directors and volunteers and express my appreciation for all the efforts they have put into the centre.

“I feel very blessed to have worked with such a dedicated group of people,” said Sr Philomena.

“I think the centre closing will create a big gap, but that’s also a big opportunity for someone else - to identify the need in the community for today and tomorrow, and to get together with others to address it,” she said.