THE Peace Centre has received a cash boost after the Victims' Minister announced £150,000 will be handed to the cause from the Ministry of Justice.

The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, which provides support for victims and survivors of terrorist incidents, welcomed minister Mike Penning today, Tuesday, to find out first hand how the money will be spent.

He added: “Organisations like the Foundation for Peace do wonderful work in supporting those who’ve been through terrible trauma and I’ve been privileged and humbled today to hear directly from some of those who have sought and benefited from support.

“This MoJ grant will ensure this vital help continues and only reinforces our message that victims should be at the forefront of criminal justice reform."

The fund will be put towards the Great Sankey-based charity's Survivors Assistance Network (SAN) to help restore victims’ feeling of personal safety and well-being and, as far as possible, enable them to return to the lives they had before the incident.

This includes a social network for members to connect with one another and prevent victims feeling isolated, conflict resolution and 'peace building' sessions to help prevent further conflict, and remembrance events.

Nick Taylor, charity chief executive, said: “Survivors for Peace is a unique project assisting over 500 victims, survivors and those affected by terrorism and war.

"The project specifically addresses the legacy of violent conflict, assisting people affected by any past or contemporary global incident.

“The announcement by Mike Penning will provide great comfort and support to the people we work with who have had their lives impacted by terrorism and extremist violence."

Warrington South Labour candidate Nick Bent added: “The Peace Centre’s work is unique and vital and has always enjoyed broad cross-party support, so I welcome this commitment to further funding for the Survivors for Peace project.”