01/07/2003

Seminars to tackle post conflict troubles

A series of seminars are set to take place across Northern Ireland in recognition of the role played by churches and faith communities, clergy, faith workers and pastoral care workers during the 'Troubles'.

The Victims Unit of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First minister will hold the one-day seminars to help provide such individuals with the skills and information needed to address the distress arising from the conflict and support people on a journey towards healing.

Since the peace process began, many more people have been coming forward to seek help for themselves and their families towards such healing.

Topics covered at the seminars, which begin in September, will include recognizing trauma; understanding the needs of those affected by violence; helping skills; dealing with anger and other emotional reactions; when and how to refer to professional help; self care; and care for colleagues. Although theological and doctrinal issues are helpful in relation to suffering and healing, seminars will not focus on those issues.

More than 3,700 people have died and around 44,000 injured as a result of Northern Ireland's thirty-year conflict with countless more having suffered psychological distress.

The first of the seminars will take place in Belfast on September 22, before finishing in Newcastle on October 14.

(MB)

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