Omagh Voice of the Victims Conference in Northern Ireland June 12-13, 2012

Organized by NAVT - Network of Associations of Victims of Terrorism and The Omagh Support and Self Help Group

The theme of the Conference was lessons learned from the different perspectives of survivors, bereaved and supporting agencies.

Over 60 organizations were represented during the event with Terry Waite, as the keynote speaker. Waite was the Assistant for Anglican Communion Affairs for the then Archcbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runice, in the 1980's. As an envoy for the Church of England, he travelled to Lebanon to try to secure the release of four hostages. He was himself held captive between 1987 and 1991.

Sarri Singer, Director, Strength to Strength was invited to speak about her personal experience with terrorism and important lessons in assisting victims in healing and moving forward.  Paulo Pimentel, Strength to Strength Board Member and Director of Survivors of Terrorism in the UK spoke about the work of the 7th of July Assistance Centre, established after the London bombings of July 7, 2005 which he previously directed. He discussed the difficulties of working with government and how working with individuals and groups can reveal many questions about the provision of appropriate "best practice" support. He also spoke about the need for organizations to adapt to change to empower and allow service users to move forward.

The days were filled with meaningful and important speakers and the evenings were spent with good company and music reflecting the warm atmosphere of the people of Omagh. Strength to Strength would like to thank Michael Gallagher of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group and his staff and volunteers for arranging such a successful event. Opportunities like this, as difficult as they can be for some directly impacted by terrorism, give victims a voice and place to share everyday struggles to support each other in trying to move forward with their lives.