The Mellon Country Inn Hotel near Omagh is the latest winner of our Welcome Award.
Deborah Gowdy, Service Manager at our Sperrin Supported Living Service in Omagh, nominated the hotel after spending a weekend there with some of the people we support.
“From beginning to end, the Mellon Country Inn Hotel excelled in ensuring everyone was catered for,” she said. “Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, who were patient, treated everyone with respect and offered a choice between breakfast in bed or eating in the restaurant.
“One of the people we support was celebrating her birthday. Every time a member of staff met her, they wished her a happy birthday. They also served her a celebratory mocktail as a surprise. She was so happy it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Another person we support had the executive suite and didn’t want to leave on Monday.”
Recipients of the Welcome Award are entitled to display a window sticker so that people with a learning disability know they will receive a warm welcome. Previous winners include the BBC and Belfast International Airport.
Terri–Marie McGale, one of the Managers of the Mellon Country Inn Hotel, said: “We were delighted when our Positive Futures guests came to stay with us for a few nights. It was an absolute pleasure to have them all with us and we were more than happy to help meet their needs in any small way that we could. We pride the hotel in being an all–inclusive, safe area for everyone who comes through our doors. When we heard that we had been nominated for the award we were over the moon – every single member of the team works so hard, and for that to be recognised is amazing.”
Dr Agnes Lunny, Chief Executive of Positive Futures, said: “I was delighted to receive Deborah’s email nominating the Mellon Country Inn Hotel for the Welcome Award. The staff there certainly made it a very special stay and brought joy into the lives of the people we support. It’s a weekend they won’t forget.”