£370K awarded by Victims and Survivors Service

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has awarded over £370,000 of funding to community organisations supporting victims and survivors to build social connections and reduce social isolation.

Nearly £200,000 was allocated to 20 community partner organisations by VSS for the Spring/Summer Social Isolation Programme. A further £174,000 has just been awarded to 17 community partner organisations for the Autumn/Winter Programme. 

The funding, provided through the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the SEUPB, has enabled a range of social interactions to take place. Activities for the Spring/Summer Programme included painting workshops, walking tours and equine-assisted learning. The Autumn/Winter Programme will enable activities such as winter gardening group sessions, knitting and Christmas crafting.

VSS is committed to reducing social isolation and improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict. The activities are centered around the ‘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.

Margaret Bateson CEO of VSS, said “VSS is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors. We have been able to support, and positively impact, the lives of over 1,500 victims and survivors throughout this year. 

“Building on the success of the Spring/Summer Isolation Programme, the activities for our new Autumn/Winter Programme have been carefully selected to ensure there is something for all interests and abilities. 

“The funding provided to our community partners enables victims and survivors to safely interact and connect through a range of social activities, whilst still ensuring Covid-19 restrictions are adhered to.”

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 negatively impact their mental health. Unfortunately, this has only been intensified as a direct result of the pandemic. 

“The EU PEACE IV funding allocated for the Spring/Summer Social Isolation Programme allowed for a range of activities to take place, positively impacting 1,500 victims and survivors.

“This new tranche of funding will continue to allow community organisations deliver health and well-being support activities, giving victims and survivors the opportunity to connect in a safe environment.”

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.