Hospital hopes to help the British victims of terrorism (From Warrington Guardian)

Hospital hopes to help the British victims of terrorism

NHS bosses in Warrington are striving to create a future legacy for victims of terrorism by forging new links with the Peace Centre.

Following a presentation last Tuesday by Jo Dover, Legacy Project leader, on the effects of terrorism on mental health, trustees at Hollins Park - part of Five Boroughs NHS Partnership - are looking to devote their expertise to help British victims and survivors of Northern Ireland conflict.

A recent Government cash boost of £250,000 announced at the first legacy conference, which was held earlier this month, indicated that the needs of British victims involved in the 'troubles' are finally being recognised.

As a result, more and more outside agencies are becoming involved by offering their services to the reconciliation programmes, which are a fundamental element of the Legacy Project's work.

John Gartside, chairman of Hollins Park Trust, said: "As a result of this meeting with the Peace Centre, I am sure we can become involved in their work, particularly at an inter-agency level."

Members of the trust have experience with mental instability stemming from terrorist attacks, and are particularly interested in supporting people not directly affected by the conflicts, but those who, by a twist of fate, were not hurt during the tragic incidents.

Since the 1993 IRA bombing in Bridge Street, which killed Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, many other victims felt they could not ask for support, and it is these people who staff at Hollins Park will support if a partnership with the Peace Centre becomes a reality.