150 victims contact servicein 3 months

The Victim and Survivors Service - for people bereaved or injured during the Troubles - has received 150 requests for information since it became operational only three months ago.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness stated: “The new Victims and Survivors Service will deliver funding through a new assessment and commission-based delivery model, bringing together some £11 million of funding into a single, unified service.

“The objective is to transform current services from being grants-led to needs-led.

“In its first few of weeks of operation, the Service had over 150 requests for information. To date, over 75 assessments have been carried out and a number are booked for the near future, with most people being seen within seven days.”

The Ministers described this as “very encouraging news” and “an early, but hopeful, sign that the Service is attracting those victims and survivors who, for whatever reason, may not have availed of victims services in the past.”

They added: “An assessment model has been completed and staff from the Service have been meeting with various victims’ groups and agencies to ensure the work they will carry out is what is needed.

“Arrangements are almost complete for the staff of both the Community Relations Council (CRC) and the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund to join the Service. Their expertise will be a valuable link and ensure there will be no gap in services to victims.

“We, along with the Service, are committed to continuing to work hard to ensure that it provides the best service possible and that victims and survivors receive from it the support they expect and deserve.”