PRESS RELEASE

17th November 2009

NEW PROJECT MARKS 40 YEARS OF TRAUMA RECOVERY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland's Trauma Recovery Network today marked the 40th anniversary of the start of political conflict here with the launch of a project to document the impact of conflict on local communities and the work of trauma recovery organisations to support those affected.

Launched at the Trauma Recovery Network’s (TRN) annual conference at Enniskillen's Killyhevlin Hotel, '40 Years On – Connecting Head & Heart' will commence over the course of the two-day event with the aim of profiling, demonstrating and recording the work done by local groups and individuals to help those who have been affected by political conflict. The project will run until May 2011 and is supported by PEACE III Programme, managed by the Community Relations Council/Pobal for the Special EU Programmes body.

The support that has been provided by organisations in the trauma recovery sector, the resilience and determination of those involved and the healing that has taken place within those communities affected will be recognised and celebrated through the project, which will also look at what the future holds for trauma recovery in Northern Ireland.

Launching the project, Paula Beattie, TRN Regional Manager, said:

"It is important to provide an opportunity for everyone involved in trauma recovery to reflect and celebrate the learning, healing and resilience accomplished during the conflict, while at the same time acknowledging the pain and loss suffered. A further crucial outcome of the project will be the development of a strategic way forward for the trauma recovery sector, which faces new challenges in the post-conflict era".

'Connecting Head & Heart' will be delivered by the Trauma Recovery Network through –

• The development of community partnership and engagement across the trauma recovery sector
• Profiling trauma recovery best practice through showcasing events and publicity
• Facilitating debate on the future of the sector
• Celebrating the work and resilience of trauma specialists in local communities
• Information Fairs on the future delivery of expertise and the development of the sector

The project will run until May 2011 and is supported by PEACE III Programme managed by the Community Relations Council/Pobal for the Special EU Programmes body.

END

For further information please contact Ross Williamson or Jenny Johnston at Inform Communications, Tel: 02890233550 Mob 07734821070 (Ross) or 07730527857 (Jenny).

SEUPB

• The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU structural funds Programmes PEACE III and INTERREG IVA designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society. The programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG IVA, Western Scotland
• The PEACE III Programme is worth €333 million and is aimed primarily at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promoting reconciliation. It focuses on helping Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland to reconcile communities and contribute towards a shared society
• For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu