Funding for peace work to continue

CHANCELLOR George Osborne today confirmed that Warrington’s Foundation for Peace work with victims and survivors of terrorism and political violence is to continue, funded for the next financial year.
The announcement came during the Chancellor’s budget statement to the House of Commons when Mr Osborne also gave a commitment to working with the Foundation o find a “lasting solution” to funding the work.
Prime Minister David Cameron is to meet the founders of the charity, Colin and Wendy Parry, to confirm his personal support.
Confirmation of the funding comes after a period of uncertainty over the future for the Survivors for Peace programme.
“Survivors” has operated for 12 years and assists victims, survivors and those people in Great Britain and Northern Ireland affected by terrorism, war and political violence.
The programme specifically addresses the legacy of the “Troubles” for those in Great Britain as well as assisting people affected by any past or contemporary global incident.
It forms a part of the Foundation’s work to prevent, resolve and respond to violent conflict.
Foundation chief executive, Nick Taylor, welcomed the news: “This announcement follows 15 months of intensive discussions and shows the positive face of politics.
“The Government, senior members of the opposition and the Northern Ireland executive parties are completely engaged and supportive.
“This commitment by the Chancellor will send a strong message to those in our society who have been affected by terrorism and political violence that they are not alone.”
Tomorrow is the 21st anniversary of the Warrington bombing that killed Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, injuring 54 others and affecting many more people. Tim’s parents Colin and Wendy founded the charity and continue to campaign for peace.
Colin Parry (pictured) said: “We bring people to the Foundation who have suffered at the hands of terrorism, as Wendy and I have.
“We help reduce their sense of isolation, we give them a point of connection, we introduce them to other people, they develop friendships and they begin to find their normal lives, where previously they may have felt lost.
“Terrorism can affect anybody, anytime, anywhere and Governments alone cannot intercept and prevent all terrorism. The work of organisations like the Foundation is absolutely critical and Wendy and I are immensely grateful for the funding announced in the budget.”