The Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum has recently announced plans to move its premises to the Foyle Valley Railway Museum on the Foyle Road. The healthy living centre which provides a holistic approach to help people in the community improve their health & well-being, will move from its current location in the Gasyard Centre over the coming weeks.
Mary Breslin, Interim Director at the Health Forum described the re-location as a ‘significant milestone’ for the organisation.
She said: “At the Health Forum, we have always prided ourselves on being accessible for the local community, and while we are sad to be leaving the Gasyard after so many years, we are delighted that this move of premises to the Foyle Road keeps us very much within the community we serve.”
Renovation works are currently underway at the Gasyard Centre transforming the space into what will become a new museum due to open this year. The Gasyard Development Trust, have previously announced that the new facility will be called: ‘Peacemakers Museum: the journey from conflict in Derry’s Bogside.’
Mary paid tribute to the other community organisations currently based in the Gasyard:
“We have had some amazing years operating from the Gasyard Centre, and it has been a privilege to work alongside some fantastic organisations who all share a similar goal of developing healthier, more resilient communities. We wish Linda and her team at the Gasyard, the best of luck with the new museum.”
Mary also praised the local charity Destined, for their help facilitating the move of premises.
“The entire team at Destined have been a great source of support and advice regarding the move and we are looking forward to having them as neighbours.”
She also spoke of the importance of being accessible for the local community.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming residents to our new location. Helping people improve their health & well-being in a community setting is at the heart of everything we do here at the Health Forum. It is important that these new premises serve as a hub for the local community, and we are determined to continue with our mission. We’re hopeful that the move will be beneficial for the community, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone.”