OMAGH OFFERS AID FROM EXPERIENCE
Omagh offers aid from experience
By ANNE PALMER
THE Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation, based in Omagh, has offered assistance to the people of Madrid caught up in the attack.
Last night, director David Bolton said contact had been made with people living in Spain with whom the centre had dealt.
"We have offered support in humanitarian terms and in recognition of the terrible atrocity. We have extended the offer of assistance, should it be required.
"These days, much of the help can be offered through telephone calls and through e-mails. In the past, we have often put together materials for people seeking assistance.
"One of the most important things, at this stage, is solidarity and referring to their own humanity. It has been an appalling atrocity and people have been deeply moved."
The work of the centre evolved from dealing with the aftermath of the Omagh bomb, which killed 31 people, including unborn twins, and students on a visit from Spain.
Mr Bolton said that the sights and scenes on TV were evocative of scenes witnessed in so many communities in Northern Ireland.
He said that many people in Northern Ireland who have had similar experiences would be moved by events.
"Some may find them to be powerful reminders and some may find them distressing."
That was a risk of living in an age where the media delivered images and details so quickly, he said.
"For people who have been shocked by these pictures in a profound way, hopefully the impact will be for a short time only.
"But it is important for anyone who feel they need help, that they actually seek it."
The centre also offered help to Australian, British, Irish and European victims of the Bali bomb in October 2002, as well as those providing care services.
Assistance was also offered to health care workers in New York after the September 11 attacks.
People in Londonderry stood in silent homage in tribute to the victims. Some held candles in the wind during a 10-minute gesture of condolence.
Spanish students joined shoppers and schoolchildren in Guildhall Square.
Carol Doherty of The Junction community meeting centre said: "Violence has no place in our world."
By ANNE PALMER
THE Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation, based in Omagh, has offered assistance to the people of Madrid caught up in the attack.
Last night, director David Bolton said contact had been made with people living in Spain with whom the centre had dealt.
"We have offered support in humanitarian terms and in recognition of the terrible atrocity. We have extended the offer of assistance, should it be required.
"These days, much of the help can be offered through telephone calls and through e-mails. In the past, we have often put together materials for people seeking assistance.
"One of the most important things, at this stage, is solidarity and referring to their own humanity. It has been an appalling atrocity and people have been deeply moved."
The work of the centre evolved from dealing with the aftermath of the Omagh bomb, which killed 31 people, including unborn twins, and students on a visit from Spain.
Mr Bolton said that the sights and scenes on TV were evocative of scenes witnessed in so many communities in Northern Ireland.
He said that many people in Northern Ireland who have had similar experiences would be moved by events.
"Some may find them to be powerful reminders and some may find them distressing."
That was a risk of living in an age where the media delivered images and details so quickly, he said.
"For people who have been shocked by these pictures in a profound way, hopefully the impact will be for a short time only.
"But it is important for anyone who feel they need help, that they actually seek it."
The centre also offered help to Australian, British, Irish and European victims of the Bali bomb in October 2002, as well as those providing care services.
Assistance was also offered to health care workers in New York after the September 11 attacks.
People in Londonderry stood in silent homage in tribute to the victims. Some held candles in the wind during a 10-minute gesture of condolence.
Spanish students joined shoppers and schoolchildren in Guildhall Square.
Carol Doherty of The Junction community meeting centre said: "Violence has no place in our world."
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/500
Published Date: 12-Mar-04
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