Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News - The Community Relations Council’s Victims & Survivors Programme

02 April 2012

After nearly 10 years, 2011 marked the end of the Council’s Core Funding programme for groups working with Victims and Survivors of the Troubles and in late 2010 CRC introduced the Strategic Support Fund (SSF) which replaced the Core Funding element of awards to groups to include programme delivery previously supported through the Development Grant Scheme.

This also allowed the application process to be simpler for groups. In addition the Development Grant Scheme continued to provide support to groups working on a largely volunteer basis. The SSF, which totalled £6.2m, has been made available by the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, is administered by the CRC and benefits nearly 20,000 individuals all over Northern Ireland.

The Council and funded groups have dealt with a great deal of uncertainty in the delivery of the Strategic Support Fund (SSF) and the Development Grant Scheme (DGS). An account of funding provided to groups during the transitional phase leading to the establishment of the Victims & Survivors Service in 2012 is provided below:

In 2010 Strategic Support Fund opened at the request of OFMDFM with two calls for applications. The first call was for groups applying for a period of 18 months (October 2010 – March 2012) and the second call was for groups wishing to apply for a 12 month period of funding support (April 2011 – March 2012). Awards for eligible groups that applied for an 18 month contract were provided in September 2010.

The Community Relations Council planned to open the Development Grant Scheme in April 2011, OFMDFM requested the Council to delay opening of the Development Grant Scheme until June 2011.

There had been no confirmation of budget amounts from OFMDFM for spend which would occur after 31 March 2011. The Community Relations Council informed groups that they were successful in their application however until the Department could provide us with a budget for the period April 2011 – March 2012 the Council could not confirm funding for this financial year.

The Council made a request at this time to the Department for those groups that previously had been awarded staff, to meet the costs of these staff members until a letter of offer was available, due to the delays that had been experienced and the possible repercussions in relation to service provision to individual victims and survivors. This was approved by the Department and groups with staff were informed that if they had previously been supported under the Core Funding Scheme then their staff posts were secure.

OFMDFM representatives announced the budget allocation, at our Victims & Survivors conference on 30th and 31st March 2011, the Council had not received prior notification of the final figures. It was clear to Council that the eligible expenditure approved by Committee had completely outstripped the budget figure presented by OFMDFM. We discussed these matters in detail with the Department and the Commission for Victims & Survivors. At this late stage, groups’ contracts were ending on 31st March 2011, the Department asked the Council to immediately look at ways in which the budget could be distributed. The Council reviewed all applications and work plan bids to identify options for managing the funding available. The Council also consulted with the Department on its plans for reducing funding due to oversubscription and this was approved. All adjustments and savings that needed to be made were provided to the Council’s Victims & Survivors Committee at which the Department were present and such plans were approved in full.

At this time both groups and Council were working entirely at risk with no letters of offer or contractual agreement. The Council had no control over the timescale in relation to the receipt of its letter of offer from the Department in 2011 and as a result could not release any letter of offer to funded groups.

It is important to highlight that the Council successfully delivered on every timescale that was provided, for example, assessments on both 18 month and 12 month applications were undertaken within an extremely limited timeframe. Indeed decisions on 12 month applications were made on 1 and 2 February 2011 with plenty of time for letters of offer and funding to be on the ground with groups by 1 April 2011, had the budget allocation been provided.

During this time, the Council made representation to the Department on a number of occasions with regards to the opening of the DGS and the needs of voluntary based groups. Indeed we made representation to the Commission for Victims & Survivors on this matter following Council committee meetings. It was the preference from the Department to wait until SSF had been finalised before proceeding on DGS applications. When DGS did open Council staff very quickly processed 66 applications from funded groups over a 9 week period of time with decisions provided to groups in early October 2011.

Was there anything the Council could have done differently? The answer to this might have been to not accept the conditions within which the sector had been forced to operate. This however would have had a detrimental impact on the services being provided to groups and putting the Department in the invidious position of having to acquire an alternative funding provider.

In this month’s Newsletter we thought it would be beneficial to highlight some of the great work being carried out by funded groups and organisations. As you will see from the selection below there is a great variety of work and services that groups engage with in order to offer services to those who have suffered during the Troubles.

Support services undertaken by groups working with victims and survivors

The Community Growing Together at SEFF

Over the past two years Lisnaskea-based victims group South East Fermanagh Foundation has been busy developing a Community Allotments site which now houses 31 allotment plots.

SEFF’s Director Kenny Donaldson explains: “A sign has been erected, the wording of which (The Community Growing Together) depicts the ethos of our organisation and what particularly, we seek to achieve through the Allotments Project. There are three Polytunnels, a double compost plot, a purpose built wooden tool shed, picnic table and garden bench onsite to facilitate the needs of allotment holders. All we’re missing is Arthur Fowler himself!”

“Growing your own fresh produce has tangible economic, social and health-based therapeutic benefits. People take a great pride in being able to produce something for themselves and there is always healthy competition between allotment holders as to who can keep their allotment in the best condition and also producing the best quality and volume of produce.”

“Allotments also provide a unique opportunity for families and friends to come together socially and in an age of convenience foods, we are especially keen to see young people being introduced to the art of growing fresh produce, which was a common and necessary way of life for their forebears.”

“Already allotment holders are reaping the rewards of their efforts. Cabbages, potatoes, broccoli, beetroot, cauliflower, carrots, parsnips, pumpkins, peppers, corn on the cob, celery, scallions/spring onion, strawberries, tomatoes, peas, broad beans, herbs etc are amongst the vegetables/fruits being grown on the allotment patches and within the onsite polytunnel. Many’s a good meal has already been had by the green fingered enthusiasts.”

The Project was funded by The Awards For All and Lloyds TSB Foundation N.I.

Survivors of Trauma

North Belfast victims group Survivors of Trauma have been delivering key services to the community for over 15 years. Currently funded under CRCs Strategic Support Fund the group provide a comprehensive therapies treatment programme as well as counselling, education and training opportunities and a range of recreational/creative based classes and workshops. As a registered school for holistic therapies the organisation delivers high quality training and accreditation in reflexology, aromatherapy and other therapies. Users may also avail of IT training by attending computer classes delivered at the centre, the classes are designed to encourage complete beginners to develop basic skills and provide opportunity for participants to progress to the next level.

Other classes available at the centre include Yoga, Pilates, Painting, Bog Oak Carving and Soft Furnishings. The organisation offers a respite scheme as well as remembrance, reminiscence and cultural diversity events.

Exhibition showcasing some of the beneficiaries work

Bog oak carvings

Maria Lea, Margaret Brown and Ann Dunleavy with

the Remembrance Quilt, at Survivors of Trauma

CALMS “MOVE IT” YOUTH FORUM – SEPTEMBER 2011

C.A.L.M.S “Move It” youth forum young volunteers, have been delivering innovative programmes, which are designed specifically to raise awareness and ensure early recognition of mental health issues among young people. These innovative programmes include “Is your head fried”, (listening ear direct or by phone), “Express the Mess” (annual song writing competition), “Lets Kick Stress” (annual 5 – a side), “Stresswise” (Tailor- made stress management programme) and “Zoom In” (Media).

C.A.L.M.S Move It youth forum is about educating and training young people and empowering them, by helping them to develop skills that may lead to further education and job opportunities. The young people also completePersonal Development Plans (PDPs) and where possible CALMS provides training and development as appropriate to meet individual needs. All services available under the “Move It” project include assistance with compiling CVS.

Last year the “Move It” Youth Forum co-designed an anti-stress exam kit, which has proved very popular with the schools and demand far exceeded our expectations. The Youth volunteers also manned promotional stands in schools and youth centres. Young volunteers from the youth forum also represented CALMS at various workshops and seminars. The group are currently undertaking a young people needs assessment in the community and have completed questionnaires and facilitated a number of focus groups to date. This research is ongoing and is invaluable in determining where gaps in services exist for young people in our community.

Families Moving On

New Staff and Premises

Families Moving On welcomed 2 new members of staff in July; Project coordinator, Anita Doonan and Clerical officer Victoria Knox joined the group to oversee the work plans funded under the SSF. In addition, the group moved into its new office premises on the Dublin Road, Omagh enjoying generous office space and a central location to the town centre.

Peer Mentoring Training

During August the group carried out a number of training initiatives before the youth returned to school in September. The youth at Families Moving On engaged in Peer Mentoring Training over a 4 day course. This training programme is designed to promote the development of social, cultural and personal skills of young people who have experienced third generational effects of civil conflict, empowering them to make informed choices. As potential peer support workers it is important to be aware of patterns and trends among young people specifically those who have been affected by Northern Ireland conflict. The youth thoroughly enjoyed the 4 days and felt it was very useful and informative. They also said the work of Qe5 in delivering the programme was very well delivered. We thank them for their expertise and professionalism.

Drug Awareness Training

Drug Awareness Training was also carried out for 2 days in August. The training was carried out by Breakthru, a cross community drug and alcohol awareness organisation. The interactive training involved listening and participation by the youth. The youth got the opportunity to wear ‘beer goggles’ whilst playing games to show the effect drugs and alcohol can have. They were shown the different types of drugs and alcohol available and the effects they can have on a person. The training

was informative and delivered very well by the Breakthru staff.

Pictures show the interaction of the youth at the Breakthru Drug Awareness Event.

Todds Leap

As a reward for all their hard training, the youth earned a break. And so, it was off to Todds Leap we went! Guaranteed a great day out and it did not disappoint! Over 2 days, the youth took part in Paintballing activities and the Zipline. Families Moving On travel every year to Todds Leap and would highly recommend the activity centre to everyone. Todds Leap is the ideal location for group activities and team building and is designed for all age groups.

The youth travelled to Alton Towers from Friday 21^st Oct – Sunday 23^rd Oct. Needless to say, we had an excited and enthusiastic bunch counting down the days.

The picture to the right shows some of the youth getting ready to take the plunge down the zipline. Thankfully, we had a clear and dry day for this which made all the difference.

Launch Night

On Thursday 29^th September FMO hosted the official opening of the new Families Moving On premises on the Dublin Road, Omagh, Victims Commissioner, Bertha Mc Dougall was in attendance to launch the night.

Other

Our coffee mornings got off to a start earlier in August this year in our new premises on the Dublin Road. Befriending coordinator Eddie Gibson oversees the befriending service we have available to our members.

Our therapies have also got off to a start in the group. Members can avail of massages and reflexology. We provide the treatments in our new therapy room on the Dublin Road.

Holy Trinity Community Counselling Services

Holy Trinity Community Counselling Servicesoffers high quality one to one counselling support for children, young people and adults. The variety of expertise within the counselling team allows the service to engage with all types of issues presented; bereavement, trauma, particularly conflict related and trans-generational trauma, relationship issues, eating disorders, suicide and self harm issues. The service has 4 non direct play therapists who work with children from 5 years onwards and it also engages the services of a number of youth counsellors.

Based in an organisation with an ethos for delivering high quality services to the community, the project recently began the work of having a quality standard mark. They went through the process of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s (BACP), service accreditation. In December 2010, the service was awarded this quality mark from BACP and became the first Counselling Service in the north of Ireland to achieve this prestigious award. No doubt, blazing the trail for other, similar services to follow suit.

Part funded under Strategic Support Fund and previously under Peace 111 European Funds and working within the Public Health Agency’s, ‘Protect Life Strategy’, the service opens from 9am-9pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-5pm Friday.

The Ely Centre

2nd December 2011 - Ely Centre Kilkeel Carers Trip

Last Saturday thirty members of the Ely Centre, Enniskillen Carers Project travelled to Kilkeel Co Down as part of a networking programme the centre is running with MAST a victim’s support group from Kilkeel.

Following an early departure from Enniskillen the group arrived at the offices of Mast and were treated to a coffee morning and craft presentation from the Group, comprised of victims of the troubles and carers. The members of MAST also have a vibrant interest in scrapbooking, card making and jewellery making and the displays and workshops on show were of great interest to the members. Following this the group had the opportunity to peruse Kilkeel with many members getting the opportunity to get started on the Christmas Shopping.

In the afternoon the two groups attended a craft fair in Kilkeel with exhibitions from many involved in the craft scene from across Co Down and judging by the array of crafts on display the group returned home with many new ideas to implement into their own craft programme which will commence in the new year

Mrs Mable Black, Carers Project officer stated “This trip proved to be a great success, the group were delighted to be received so warmly by the group and cannot wait to return this hospitality to them when they come down to us in February where the group will be attending craft sessions with the members of the Ely Centre and then enjoy an evening meal together.

On Friday 17th February 2012 MAST had 46 members travel to Enniskillen to the Ely Centre where we were greeted with a warm reception from our friends there. Some of our members took part in a basket weaving craft workshop and some took part in an embroidery workshop. These were very enjoyable and something they had not taken part in before. MAST members then spent the evening in Enniskillen and enjoyed a great meal together where the chat was plenty and the companionship was enjoyed by everyone. On Saturday 18th February the MAST members spent the day in Enniskillen at their leisure enjoying their time away from their usual routines. On Saturday evening the MAST members and some members from the Ely Centre all got together for an evening meal. There were 90 of us in total and everyone enjoyed each others company while new friendships were formed and old friends caught up with each other.

During our visit the Ely Centre presented MAST with 50 small trees to be distributed within our members which were donated from the Woodland Trust to mark the Queens diamond jubilee. As a token of our appreciation Sandra Johnston, Chairperson of MAST presented Mr Jim Dixon, Director of the Ely Centre with a framed picture of the boats in Kilkeel Harbour and he thanked us very much for the gift.

A very enjoyable time was had by all during our networking visit to Enniskillen and our thanks and appreciation must be extended to all at the Ely Centre for their warm welcome.