Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases - Befrienders support for Victims of the Troubles recognised

02 April 2007

A Day of Celebration was held today (2 April) at Baronscourt with participants from the victims’ sector across Northern Ireland to mark the presentation of certificates for the newly accredited Volunteer Befriending Programme.

PRESS RELEASE

2 April 2007

Befrienders support for Victims of the Troubles recognised

The “Gift of Time” was the theme for the day at which 126 co-ordinators and befrienders received awards.

Speaking on behalf of the Community Relations Council (CRC) Michaela Mackin, Director of the Victims and Survivors Programme, said:

“It was clear to CRC that there is a need for befriending services to assist the many victims and survivors who are housebound, isolated and feel cut off from their community. CRC has successfully advocated to government the need for additional resources in this important area. Today's event is about recognising the achievement of over 100 volunteer befrienders who have gained valuable training to assist them in providing much needed support to individuals and families carrying the psychological and physical scars of the Northern Ireland conflict. This day is one of celebration and achievement for the volunteers. The CRC are proud to be associated with this important and vital work which will help assist progress towards a shared and inclusive future for everyone in Northern Ireland".

The Volunteer Befriending Scheme was launched on the 1 March 2006 with an announcement that an extra £400,000 had been made available from the Victims’ Unit at the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. This followed a study supported by CRC into issues affecting carers of victims of the Northern Ireland conflict, Who Cares for the Carers? This report identified that ‘there is a high level of isolation and exclusion amongst the carer population exacerbated through an inability for a range of reasons to leave the victim to whom care is provided unattended for long periods of time.’ It was recommended that ‘there needs to be the development of an outreach befriending service that provides ongoing individual support to carers and victims.’

Throughout last year, 18 groups within the victims’ sector selected ten people for each co-ordinating and befriending course. Training took place over a 4 day period and ongoing support is provided to individuals trained. Other groups have identified volunteers for training in this new financial year.

At the Day of Celebration today a co-ordinator, George Latimer from Lisnaskea, and several befrienders told the audience about their roles and a beneficiary, Ernie Wilson from Lisnaskea, told how the befriending has impacted on his life. Certificates were presented by the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn with a lapel pin that represents the “Gift of Time” that each volunteer gives to the individuals that they are supporting.

For further information

contact

Ray Mullan, CRC Director of Communications, tel 02890-227500

Notes to Editor

What is Befriending?

Befriending is a service aimed at reducing social isolation and to enhance quality of life.

What is a Befriender?

A befriender is a trained volunteer who offers their friendship within agreed limits and boundaries to someone who is isolated, lonely or vulnerable.

Why Befriending? (what is the difference between friendships and befriending?)

Friendships are private and mutual arrangements.
Befriending is a supportive relationship offered to vulnerable people finding living in their community difficult.
Befriending is a service which provides companionship, the chance to develop a new relationship and opportunities to participate in social activities.