Lights for Change – A Christmas Tree for a Safer Future

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has launched the Lights for Change – A Christmas Tree for a Safer Future campaign to raise awareness and inspire meaningful conversations about ending violence against women and girls. The initiative centres on the #BeTheChange Bauble Campaign, a symbolic effort that encourages people across the district to take a visible stand against harmful attitudes and behaviours.

The campaign invites residents, businesses and community groups to collect and display special #BeTheChange baubles. Each bauble represents hope, unity and a shared commitment to creating a safer and more equal future. By placing them on Christmas trees or in public spaces, participants help spark conversations and raise awareness throughout the festive season.

What the #BeTheChange Bauble Represents

The BeTheChange bauble campaign is designed as both a visual symbol and a conversation starter. It promotes awareness of the need to end violence against women and girls, encouraging people to challenge harmful attitudes and support positive change.

Transition words such as “therefore,” “additionally,” and “furthermore” help ensure clear readability while maintaining an active voice throughout.

Where to Collect Your Free BeTheChange Bauble

Free baubles are available from the following local venues, while stocks last:

• Connect Centres in Enniskillen and Omagh
• Broadmeadow Fitness
• Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown
• Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea
• Omagh Leisure Centre
• Trillick Leisure Centre
• Ecclesville Centre, Fintona

Additionally, local businesses and community groups can collect larger baubles or support stickers for display in windows, offices and community hubs. This helps spread the message of the BeTheChange bauble campaign throughout towns and villages.

How to Join the #BeTheChange Campaign

To support the campaign and take part in the end-of-year showcase, residents can follow these simple steps:

1. Pick up your free bauble.
2. Take a photo displaying it.
3. Post your photo on social media.
4. Use the hashtag #BeTheChange.
5. Tag Fermanagh and Omagh District Council so your submission can be included.

The campaign runs from 17 November to 6 January, with entries for the artistic showcase accepted until 19 December. Baubles are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Community Artwork: A Celebration of Solidarity

The campaign will conclude with a special community artwork piece featuring all tagged photo submissions. This final showcase aims to visually represent the district’s shared commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

Leadership Support

Cllr Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, encouraged widespread participation:

“I will be hanging my #BeTheChange bauble on my own Christmas tree and I encourage everyone across the District to do the same. These baubles are more than decorations; they represent hope, unity and a shared commitment to a safer future. By displaying them throughout our community we send a clear message: violence has no place here.”

Part of the EVAWG Framework

This initiative supports The Executive Office’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Framework, launched in September 2024. The framework focuses on prevention, tackling the root causes of violence before harm occurs.

For more information, visit:
www.fermanaghomagh.com/BeTheChange