Mainland 'Troubles' group gets funding boost

Victims' Minister Angela Smith has pledged a cash injection of £250,000 to the Warrington based Legacy Project, to help victims and survivors of Northern Ireland's 'Troubles' who live in Great Britain.

Parliamentary Private Secretary Tom Harris made the announcement today at the first national conference for GB victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland conflict, which took place at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Centre in Warrington.

Speaking to delegates from across the mainland, Mr Harris, said: "Today's conference - 'Reflecting on the Needs of GB Victims and Survivors of the Northern Ireland Troubles' is a milestone event in raising awareness of victims issues in GB and marks the implementation of an important recommendation from the Legacy Project's Independent Needs Analysis published in November last year.

"The Government has responded positively to the recommendations contained in the report and today's announcement of further funding of £250,000 to the Legacy Project underlines its commitment to address victims' needs and drive forward the report's recommendations."

Mr Harris said the additional funding would help sustain the work done by the Legacy Project until 2007 and allow for the needs of GB victims and survivors to be targetted in such a way as to be relevant to their particular areas of need.

"The conference aims to share best practice in dealing with victims issues and gives service providers and practitioners an opportunity to share clinical experience and improve their understanding of the needs of trauma victims," he added.

The Legacy Project was established to help identify and meet the needs of victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland Troubles who live in Great Britain.

As part of this programme the Project appointed independent consultants to carry out a needs analysis.

The Project's remit includes former soldiers, victims of bombings in Great Britain, their families, bereaved families of soldiers killed in the conflict, those who worked to assist victims, and those forced into exile on the mainland as a result of paramilitary intimidation.

(MB)