The organisation has provided mental health services to those mostly affected by the conflict and other social traumas for much of its existence and continues to provide high levels of service delivery to all communities across north and west Belfast.
Speaking at the Centre, Mr Donaldson said victims and survivors groups have an important role, alongside other providers, in delivering support services.
“There is no doubt that victims’ groups can provide much that the statutory sector cannot offer. The existence of a strong community based sector to address the needs of victims is vital.
“It is considered equally important that victims’ groups form part of a structure which encompasses other community groups together with the voluntary and statutory sectors in order to provide the best possible response to meeting victims’ needs.”
Government has committed £36million for the victims and survivors sector over the next three years. The money will deliver meaningful change and help to all those who have endured so much over the past four decades.
Mr Donaldson added: “A draft strategy setting out our plans for the future support for work with victims and survivors is under active and careful consideration and we intend to discuss the detail with our colleagues in the OFMDFM Committee soon.
“OFMDFM will work closely with the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund, the Community Relations Council, the new Commission and the Victims and Survivors Forum to manage the transition to new funding arrangements which will be set out in the new strategy for victims and survivors.”
Notes to Editors:
- Founded in 1987, the Shankill Stress and Trauma Centre is a victims and survivors support group which provides a professional counselling service, delivers support to both communities, offers personal development and empowerment training and operates a “drop-in” centre for clients.
- Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
