New funding arrangements announced for victims and survivors groups

Junior Ministers Gerry Kelly and Robin Newton have confirmed new transitional funding arrangements for victims and survivors groups.

Ministers announced a two year funding programme for groups during the transitional period leading to the establishment of the new Victims and Survivors Service. This funding will run from April 2010 to March 2012.

Speaking after the opening of a new unit for the Bridge of Hope group in North Belfast and a meeting with the Victim’s Commissioners, Junior Minister Kelly said: "OFMDFM has agreed a two year funding programme to meet the needs of groups working with victims and survivors.

"Following discussions with groups and the commissioners, we are moving away from an annual round of funding towards a three year cycle, as we believe that this will provide greater stability and continuity to groups delivering these vital services.

"It is our intention that no groups or individuals will be disadvantaged as a result of this transitional phase to the establishment of a new service for victims and survivors. We can assure groups currently receiving core funding, that this support will be automatically extended for at least the next six months while the application and assessment process is completed. The needs of victims and survivors remains the highest priority for us,” added Minister Kelly.

After attending the meeting with the Victims Commissioners, Junior Minister Newton acknowledged the necessity of the work carried out by groups in the sector adding: "In our consultation on the new service we stressed the importance of groups in the voluntary and community sector linking in with the new service to ensure victims and survivors have access to services of the highest standard.

“More funding than ever before is being made available to address the needs of victims and survivors and we want to ensure every part of the sector feels the benefit of this.

“We are also committed to supporting the reopening of the development grants scheme, as well as reopening the core grants scheme for new applications by existing and new groups," Minister Newton added.

Junior Minister Kelly officially opened a new unit at the Bridge of Hope Centre in North Belfast. The centre works with families and communities affected by the conflict and endemic social and economic deprivation in North Belfast

Notes to editors:

1. For further information on the new funding arrangements contact the Victims and Survivors Programme at the Community Relations Council, telephone 028 9022 7500
2. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.