Fermanagh centre takes lead in 2026 Poppy Appeal

Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre in County Fermanagh was the venue for the launch of this year’s Northern Ireland Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Located in the grounds of Colebrooke Park, Brooke House supports military and police veterans with a wide range of treatments for psychological and physical conditions.

placeholder image — Lord Brookeborough, Colonel Salisbury and David Johnston at the Poppy Appeal launch

The launch featured a veteran from every county in Northern Ireland with the Royal Navy, Royal Airforce, Army, Royal Marines UDR and RIR represented.

Together they served in Falkland’s Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.

Brooke House Chief Executive Officer, Joan Clements BEM, said the facility was honoured to have been chosen by the Royal British Legion for the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Ms Clements said: “The work we do here places military and police veterans, and their families, front and centre.

"We offer a range of therapeutic services including psychological support pain management which includes physiotherapy, acupuncture and complementary therapy alongside a wide range of nature based therapies, music, equine and art therapies.

“Brooke House is a registered charity and since coming into being in 2018, we’ve assisted over 1,000 veterans and their loved ones.

"If, when they leave us, veterans are better able to cope and can see a clear path to recovery, our dedicated staff will have done their work but also support their pathway into resilience by becoming volunteers.

“it is a signal honour to host the launch event for the Royal British legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.

"The poppy is rich in symbolism. It speaks to dedication and sacrifice and to a commitment to veterans who fought for our freedoms, many of whom were left with the mental and physical scars for the rest of their lives.”

Lucy Inskip, Director of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, said: “The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal brings the nation together and helps us raise vital funds needed to support the Armed Forces community.

“We want to encourage the public to go out and show their support for the Appeal this year.

"From short-term relief to lifelong support, your donation enables the RBL to help the Armed Forces and their families, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed.”

Brooke House is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and has earned coveted awards for the services it provides.