STRATEGY NEEDED TO MEET NEEDS OF BOMB VICTIMS
Strategy needed to meet needs of bomb victims
BY: MICHELE CANNING
SINN FEIN'S Pat Doherty has called on service providers in the Omagh district to devise an immediate strategy to meet the needs of those physically impaired in the August bomb.
The West Tyrone assemblyman emphasised the need for a "proactive as opposed to reactive" strategy which has at its core a comprehensive process of consultation and one which incorporates self directed support groups.
The Sinn Fein Vice President said the town and district will require a fairly major programme of adaptation and readjustment.
"All those involved in reconstructing Omagh must be sensitive and responsive to the individual needs of the worst affected.
"It will be absolutely crucial not to compound the victimisation of those for whom a long period of recuperation lies ahead. We must remove any potential sense of isolation.
"I feel strongly that there should be a key role in such a strategic development for agencies with a proven record in this area, notably Disability Action and team leaders in the social services," he added.
Mr Doherty said a real consultation process must focus on service users.
"What I am talking about here is a complete raising of consciousness and an integrated policy aimed at minimising the future trauma and inconvenience for those injured in the Omagh bombing."
Mr Doherty said he believed it is the priority issue in charting the way ahead for the town, having spoken directly to people injured in the recent past.
He said he would welcome any ideas from professionals with previous experience in the environmental aspects of rehabilitation.
He has also pledged to develop this debate with interested individuals and other relevant agencies.
BY: MICHELE CANNING
SINN FEIN'S Pat Doherty has called on service providers in the Omagh district to devise an immediate strategy to meet the needs of those physically impaired in the August bomb.
The West Tyrone assemblyman emphasised the need for a "proactive as opposed to reactive" strategy which has at its core a comprehensive process of consultation and one which incorporates self directed support groups.
The Sinn Fein Vice President said the town and district will require a fairly major programme of adaptation and readjustment.
"All those involved in reconstructing Omagh must be sensitive and responsive to the individual needs of the worst affected.
"It will be absolutely crucial not to compound the victimisation of those for whom a long period of recuperation lies ahead. We must remove any potential sense of isolation.
"I feel strongly that there should be a key role in such a strategic development for agencies with a proven record in this area, notably Disability Action and team leaders in the social services," he added.
Mr Doherty said a real consultation process must focus on service users.
"What I am talking about here is a complete raising of consciousness and an integrated policy aimed at minimising the future trauma and inconvenience for those injured in the Omagh bombing."
Mr Doherty said he believed it is the priority issue in charting the way ahead for the town, having spoken directly to people injured in the recent past.
He said he would welcome any ideas from professionals with previous experience in the environmental aspects of rehabilitation.
He has also pledged to develop this debate with interested individuals and other relevant agencies.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1199
Published Date: 15-Oct-98
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