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28 September 2009

The Community Relations Council has expressed concern about the proposed victims and survivors service and is calling on victims groups to study the Executive’s proposals carefully as they will have significant consequences for the future of many groups.

Michaela Mackin, Director of Funding and Development at the Community Relations Council and an associate member of the new Victims Forum, raised a series of questions about the proposed changes when she addressed over 160 representatives of Victims Groups and individual victims at a conference in Newcastle today.

“The proposals currently out for consultation have significant consequences for all of the groups, organisations and agencies involved in victims work and it is crucial that full engagement happens around the new change so that  needs of victims are protected in the future.   There are lots of questions which require further clarity on this new Service to ensure that we do not lose the effective work that has been carried out. 

“In the latter part of the summer, OFMDFM published their 10 week consultation paper which looked at the new change proposed for managing the work with victims and survivors.    This is a challenging deadline and begs the question of whether more time should be provided to respond. 

“It is absolutely vital that consultation on this Service is genuine and authentic to help design the key arrangements to support those in our society that have already suffered most.

“Can we sign up to change when we are unclear about what the change may be?  How are victims’ needs to be determined? Which services will continue? Will this include respite care for carers or befriending work? These are just a few of the many questions to be discussed.”

“Many people have suffered during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and building a lasting peace must allow for a healing process. Identifying and meeting the needs of victims and survivors will play a crucial part in this. “

“Today the Community Relations Council is hosting its 6th Annual Conference for groups working with victims and survivors.  This conference presents an opportunity for groups to help shape the new Victims and Survivors Service for the sector and to unite around the important issue of meeting the needs of those who have suffered most in our society.” 

Ms Mackin continued;

“The Community Relations Council certainly welcomes change that will help to provide an effective service that is based on evidenced need. However we urge the importance of getting this right so the victims and survivors sector can get on with the business of helping people in their recovery and meeting the diverse range of needs which span from acknowledgement and therapeutic needs to respite and befriending. 

“The Community Relations Council believes that work with victims is crucial in relation to the stability of a shared and inclusive future in Northern Ireland.  We all have a responsibility in our society to make the conditions right to ensure there are no more victims – to create the conditions where we can have mutual respect and understanding and safe and shared places for people to live, learn and work.  This is our goal – to strive to create the conditions where violence has no place in our communities and to support those that have been affected by our troubled past.  The future victim service will be key in this mission.”

Notes to Editor:

This event is a closed event and press will not be permitted to attend.  Interviews with groups, if agreeable can be taken outside the event.

1.     The CRC Annual Victims and Survivors Conference takes place at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle on the 28^th and 29th September. It will bring together over 160 representatives of victims groups and individual victims of the NI Troubles.  

2.     CRC core funds 46 groups and in addition also supports up to 130 groups in their project/programme work.  Since 2003, CRC has acted as the Intermediate Funding Body administering the Core Funding Scheme and Development Grant Scheme for groups working with victims and survivors, this role, in particular, has made CRC acutely aware of the sensitivities and extreme difficulties associated with addressing the legacy of the past. 

3.     There are still many isolated people that do not receive care, support or assistance and who find the current structure of attaining individual support demeaning and undignified. 

4.     There are many victims and survivors that have only recently come forward requiring support.  There is a growth in the number of voluntary self-help groups being set up particularly to undertake befriending work (most noticeable in the West). 

For further information contact

Ray Mullan

90-227500