The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr John Reid, has paid tribute to the work of the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust (NIVT) as he opened its new premises at Albert Street, Belfast.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Dr Reid praised the commitment and vision of the Trust as one of the first funders to identify and support the special needs of victims of the troubles.

Dr Reid said: “NIVT’s role in promoting and facilitating community development in a divided society has been a positive one.

“The Trust has prioritised work with people and communities that have borne the brunt of the sectarian conflict and has strived to build mutual respect, reduce levels of intimidation and bring about an improvement in community relations.”

Dr Reid also paid tribute to the Trust’s efforts to tackle poverty and deprivation through community action, and stimulate community development in under-developed areas.

He added: “As an intermediary funding body NIVT has played a key role in the implementation of EU Programmes and should be congratulated for its contribution to the work of peace and reconciliation and social and economic regeneration."

Dr Reid also thanked the Trust for the significant contribution NIVT have made to the achievements of the Core Funding Scheme for Victims and Survivors Groups, which the Trust administers on behalf of the Victims Liaison Unit.

NIVT is an independent charitable trust established in 1979 with the aim of driving social change by tackling poverty, exclusion and social injustice through funding and supporting community-based action and positively influencing policy development.

The Trust was originally funded through a grant arrangement whereby private sources matched every pound donated by the exchequer. (MB)