LIBERAL Democrat leader Tim Farron made his first visit to the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace in Great Sankey earlier today to see first hand the work of the charity.
Mr Farron’s visit coincided with the launch of the #WeStandTogether campaign following the Manchester Arena tragedy on Monday night.
Mr Farron said: “This is a time we as a country genuinely need to stand together.”
Mr Farron said he was impressed by the work of the foundation, which has a team of people who are available to offer practical support to those affected by terror incidents.
Nick Taylor, chief executive of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, said: “It’s important that #WeStandTogether in the light of Monday’s horrific events.
“Many people will not know that we offer help and support to people who have been affected by an act of terrorism. The Survivors’ Assistance Network provides free practical and emotional support to people affected by such incidents.”
He said the government has asked the foundation to lead a campaign, which is about standing together, because a lot of people came together on Monday night, opening their homes to strangers, giving free taxi rides and donating blood.
Mr Taylor said the foundation wants to build on that. He added that people in the wake of this “should stand together in solidarity, unity and hope and not react to such an incident.”
Support is available by telephone, email, or social media contact and face-to-face visits. Upon referral people will be assigned a personal caseworker who will undertake an initial assessment.
Colin Parry who set up the foundation with his wife Wendy after they lost their 12-year-old son Tim in the Warrington bombing in March 1993, which also killed three-year-old Johnathan Ball, said:
“My heart goes out to the families with children dead and injured in Manchester. Words of comfort do help, but support is what is needed most.”
Mr Parry said it was “heartening” to see so many compassionate people in Manchester’s St Ann’s Square.
Earlier this week, Home Secretary Amber Rudd also visited the Peace Centre to witness the work of the foundation.
