The British government has allocated £700,000 to establish a trauma unit in Belfast for young people and families affected by the Troubles. The centre is due to open in October.
A package of measures to help victims of violence was announced yesterday by the Northern Ireland Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, who has recently been given a new "minister for victims" portfolio.
A £200,000 fund is to be set up immediately for community groups and voluntary organisations to help them take forward proposals in last month's report by Sir Kenneth Bloomfield on the victims of violence.
Mr Ingram also said the government wanted to talk to groups and any interested individuals before taking further action. A Touchstone Group will be set up to test key issues arising from the consultation process and a victims liaison unit is being established to drive the whole process forward.
Mr Ingram said: "I am determined that the voice of the victims of violence and their needs will be addressed as quickly as possible. These measures are the first in a series which I plan to announce over the coming months. They represent an expenditure of around £1 million directed in the most effective way to benefit the victims of violence and their families. "As we enter a new era in Northern Ireland following last week's historic elections, I can assure everyone of my personal commitment to implementing the recommendations in Sir Kenneth's report and to providing the much overdue support and recognition to the victims and survivors of our tragic past." The aid package was welcomed by Families Against Intimidation and Terror. Its development officer, Mr Glyn Roberts, said: "This is a vital first step for helping victims and their families gain the necessary support to try and lead a life as normal as possible under difficult circumstances.
"At long last we are seeing the concerns of victims being addressed in a real and meaningful way. The trauma centre in particular is a positive development in trying to heal the pain many victims feel."