HOME Secretary Priti Patel has today announced continued funding for Warrington Peace Foundation’s peer-to-peer service supporting victims of terrorism in the United Kingdom.
The Peace Foundation’s UK-wide service will focus on providing a long-term peer support network for victims of terrorism, connecting them to others who have had similar experiences.
They are one of four organisations to receive a share of £500,000 funding to help provide practical and emotional support to those affected by terror attacks.
The Home Secretary established the partnership in October 2020, led by the Home Office Victim of Terrorism Unit (VTU) involving the four organisations forming a national partnership to draw on their expertise to provide a range of specialist advice and support to individuals who have experienced a terrorist attack, either in the UK or abroad.
Victim Support run a 24-hour assessment service ensuing tailored help after being impacted by terrorism.
South London and Maudsley NHS Trust provide specialist clinical mental health screening and therapy.
Cruse Bereavement provide specialist bereavement support for victims who would not otherwise be eligible through the existing Homicide Service, such as witnesses and first responders.
The Peace Foundation’s UK-wide service focuses on providing a long-term peer support network for victims of terrorism, connecting them to others who have had similar experiences.
Nick Taylor, Chief Executive, The Peace Foundation said: “Over two decades we have developed a unique peer-to-peer approach to help people share their experiences, receive specialist advice, and improve health and wellbeing.
“This continuation of Home Office funding is welcome and helps secure the Peace Foundation service and, along with the other victim support partner organisations, will strengthen the support available for those people affected by terrorism.”
Cruse Bereavement Care, the Peace Foundation, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and Victim Support will each receive £125,000 to ensure a range of victims’ needs are supported. This builds upon the £500,000 originally awarded to these organisations last year.
Since these services were launched in October 2020, they have provided vital support to those affected by terror attacks. The additional funding will mean that victims can continue to access support, including a 24/7 national contact centre and caseworker support, mental health and bereavement services, and facilitated peer support.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said: “Victims can be affected by terrorist attacks in more ways than many of us could ever imagine.
“This funding extension ensures those affected by a terrorist attack in the UK or abroad can access the range of support they need and deserve.”
The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Vera Baird QC, said: “Terror attacks can have a profound and life-changing impact on victims and their families and victims can often have complex needs, which include long-term counselling and support. We need to make sure that when the TV cameras disappear, victims and survivors get the right support they need to rebuild their lives and recover from their injuries.
“I welcome this extension of Home Office funding, which will help strengthen the range of specialist support available for victims and survivors of terror.”
Cruse Bereavement Care provide bereavement support for victims not eligible for support under the Homicide Service, while South London and Maudsley NHS Trust’s service focuses on outreach, screening, and (where indicated) assessment and onwards referrals for psychological treatments. Victim Support run a 24/7 National Contact Centre to provide victims with consistent and easily accessible support and the Peace Foundation facilitates a long-term peer support network for victims of terrorism. The Home Secretary has also committed to reviewing the wider support package available to victims of terrorism.
Welcoming the news, Warrington South Mp Andy Carter said: “This is welcome news for the Peace Centre and for the many people across the country who rely on the foundation’s expertise and support all year round.
“With this funding, The Peace Foundation will now have the certainty it needs to provide a long-term peer support network for victims of terrorism, connecting them to others who have had similar experiences.”
