Margaret Bateson, Chief Executive of the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS)
The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has awarded £200,000 in funding to 19 community organisations supporting victims and survivors to build social connections and reduce social isolation.
The funding, provided through the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the SEUPB, will enable 6,000 social interactions, positively impacting the lives of victims and survivors throughout the summer months.
VSS is committed to reducing social isolation and improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict.
The funding supports activities that are centered around ‘TAKE 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ initiative. The concept of TAKE 5 is to encourage victims and survivors to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and to give. Activities funded by the programme include outdoor photography, book clubs and painting workshops, walking tours, equine-assisted learning and horticulture.
CEO of VSS, Margaret Bateson said:
“VSS is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors. This initiative will allow us to provide 19 community organisations with the means to help reduce social isolation amongst victims and survivors, which is more important now than ever due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The funding provided to our community partners will enable victims and survivors to safely interact and connect through a range of social activities, now that restrictions on social interaction are easing.”
Welcoming the funding awarded, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, Gina McIntyre said:
“Many victims and survivors of our shared history experience high levels of isolation which can have a negative impact upon their mental health. Unfortunately, this has only been intensified, as a direct result of the pandemic.
“This EU PEACE IV funding will allow community organisations to deliver further health and well-being support activities, that will give thousands of victims and survivors the opportunity to positively connect with those around them.”
This programme is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.