About Us
About Us
Via Wings was born in 2009 from a simple desire to help people in need within our local community of Dromore.
Since then, we’ve been walking alongside individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Through our projects and services, we offer practical help, encouragement and a place of support, helping people overcome poverty, crisis, isolation and challenges with their mental wellbeing.
At the heart of Via Wings is a belief that everyone deserves hope, dignity and the opportunity to thrive.
Everything we do is made possible by an incredible community of staff, volunteers, trustees, local businesses, partners, donors and supporters who share that belief.
Together, we’re lifting people up, bringing hope where it’s needed most and helping our community soar.
Because no one should have to face difficult times alone.
Meeting Needs, Changing Lives
We are a charity based in Dromore, Co Down that aims to support people in our community in a practical, non-judgemental way. We have an ‘any situation through the door’ policy when it comes to helping people, but the main issues we tackle are related to:
- Poverty and living on the bread-line
- Social isolation
- Mental health
- Crisis and emergency situations
The Support That Enables Our Work
We are grateful to have a fantastic team of 20 staff and 75 volunteers who do amazing work. We also couldn’t achieve the things we do without the support of:
- Revenue from our pre-loved clothes shop, Wings ‘N’ Things
- Partnerships with local businesses including M&S, Tesco and Lidl
- Donations & fundraising events
- Grants & funding awards
Lifting People Up On Wings Like Eagles
But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
We Base Our Charity On Isaiah 40 V 29-31
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
What is poverty?
Poverty is so much more than the lack of food or money – poverty is also loneliness, isolation, deprivation, brokenness and so much more.
All of these things are just as close to each of us as the loss of a job, sickness, breakdown of a marriage, death of a loved one or abuse, both physical and mental.
We also understand that houses can sometimes be shells and not necessarily homes, which can be as cold inside as they are outside.
Core Values
We aim to deal with all of the above and more, on a daily basis in our community and also now further afield. Our aim is to show God’s love in a loving, caring, practical and non-judgemental way.
Positivity
Encouraging each other with a positive outlook.Capability
Everyone is capable of making an impact.Transparency
We believe in transparency to focus on the real message.Meet The Team
Gail Redmond
Founder
Emma Harrison
Cheif Executive Officer
Elaine Livingstone
Operations Manager
Dani Spence
Retail Supervisor
Louise Keery
Marketing & Events Co-ordinator
Joanne Murray
Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Shirley Richardson
Support Worker
Natasha Leckey
Support Worker
Judy Morgan
Support Worker
Audrey Knowles
Office Manager/ PA to CEO
Jennifer Toole
Finance Officer
Val Callaghan
Retail Assistant
Audrey Edens
Retail Assistant
We are an award winning charity
The Queens Award For Voluntary Service
Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). Created in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, QAVS awards have been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups for many years.
Special Recognition for Volunteering Through Covid
Charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have received the prestigious award for delivering exceptional service within their communities over the past year and beyond.
Points of Light
Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community. Every weekday the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the daily Points of Light award.
Begin Together
The Begin Together Awards recognise the towns and urban places demonstrating exceptional leadership during these challenging times.
IPB Pride of Place
An all-island competition that acknowledges and celebrates the work that communities are doing all over the island of Ireland.
British Empire Medal
The BEM or the British Empire Medal is a medal awarded for meritorious (meaning ‘deserving reward or praise’) civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.
Community Awards
These awards are our way of thanking exceptional people and groups for the tremendous work they do within the community. It is an opportunity for us to officially recognise the commitment and effort of those who demonstrate outstanding citizenship.
Social Enterprise NI 2023
Recognition of the significant positive change social enterprises bring to society and the economy. The awards, organised by Social Enterprise NI, aim to support the growth and recognition of the social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland, underscoring its vital role in achieving a more equitable and sustainable society.