A £3 million Northern Ireland Executive strategy to deliver help and services to victims of the Troubles was launched on Thursday by the First Minister David Trimble.

The ‘Reshape, Rebuild, Achieve’ Strategy launched at Stormont concentrates on delivering practical help for victims on both sides of the Northern Ireland’s conflict.

Funded evenly by both the Executive and the Northern Ireland Office, the strategy contains almost 50 actions spread across a range of areas including recognition, access and information, health, education and learning, housing and the development of business skills.

The strategy offers a definition of a victim for the first time – that is: “The surviving physically and psychologically injured of violent, conflict related incidents and those close relatives or partners who care for them, along with those close relatives or partners who mourn their dead.”

Speaking at the launch on Thursday April 11, Mr Trimble said: “This strategy addresses the needs of those who have suffered over the last thirty years.

“It tackles areas which victims themselves have told us are important. We have listened to their identification of their needs.”

Junior minister Denis Haughey said: “The strategy has a central focus - the vision of a society where the suffering of all victims is recognised; a community that acknowledges the pain of the past and learns lessons for the future; and an administration that provides support and services in a proactive and sensitive manner to meet the needs of victims in areas in both urban and rural areas.”

“The importance of a committed, co-ordinated approach to victims’ needs cannot be underestimated,” Mr Haughey added.

“Working in partnerships will be key to the successful delivery of this strategy. It is essential that agencies dealing with victims’ issues work together and co-operate closely, and that victims have effective links with policy makers.” (AMcE)