Invite issued to victims and survivors of the Troubles

Niamh (The Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health) in association with the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s (Western Trust) Victim and Survivor Matters Programme, has announced a residential opportunity for victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland Troubles, their families and/or carers, and those who work with them.

Entitled “Wellbeing Matters”, it will take place from Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th September 2010 on Lusty Beg Island, Kesh, Co Fermanagh.

In launching the programme for the residential, Diane Laverty, Training and Learning Support Manager with Niamh, said: “This support service is designed for those who determine themselves to be victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland Troubles, their families and/or carers, as well as those who work with them in the voluntary/community or statutory sector.”

Diane continued: “The course is designed to explore a holistic understanding of trauma and its impact on wellbeing in a safe and supportive context.”

Sen Coll, Community Victim Support Officer with the Western Trust, said: “This initiative continues a process of training, personal development and educational engagement between the Victim and Survivor Matters Programme and Niamh going back many years.”

Over the course of the three days, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about trauma and how it impacts on wellbeing as well as the relationship between trauma and spirituality. In addition, participants will be afforded the chance to undertake some creative work, participate in some relaxation exercises and there may also be an opportunity to partake in complementary therapies.

The course fee is 25 for an individual victim or survivor, a family member of a victim or survivor, and/or a carer of a victim or survivor and 50 for paid staff or volunteers with a relevant organisation working specifically with victims and survivors of ‘The Troubles’. The fee includes accommodation, all meals and breaks, tuition and further reading materials.

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms and relevant fee is Wednesday 18th August 2010. Successful applicants will be notified the week beginning Monday 23rd August 2010. For further information, please contact: The Victim and Survivor Matters Programme, Western Health and Social Care Trust, 15 Elliott Place, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 7HQ, telephone: 028 6634 4104 or email: [email protected].