VISIT HELPS HEALING PROCESS
Visit helps healing process
TEAM co-ordinator at the Bridge Centre, Michael Duffy has endorsed last weekend's visit to Liverpool, saying the experience "helps compensate for the destructive side of human behaviour" which visited Omagh nine months ago.
Following the outrage, around 450 people from 2 to 78 years old received counselling by specialists at the Trauma Centre.
One hundred have now been "discharged," but Mr Duffy expects a further caseload increase as the tragedy's first anniversary approaches.
"It would have been easy for the generosity of others to cease flowing after the first few weeks, but thankfully there are still people outside Omagh who continue to offer weekends away and trips abroad.
"That certainly demonstrates how deeply the events of last August affected people's hearts and minds.
"I would also like to compliment the staff who are working with the youth networks, who play a very important part in the restoration of the community" he added.
Two of the youth leaders who accompanied the young victims believe enormous benefits were gained from the experiences of last weekend.
For Gary Mortland - who is attached to the Hospital Road Community Centre this was the second such group he had accompanied to Merseyside.
"These memorable experiences help the participants return to a form of normality after the tragedy.
"Everybody was prepared to go that extra yard and when you encounter that warmth, you realise the events of last August are not forgotten.
"The hospitality and new bonds which have been forged, make the trip very worthwhile and this is only made possible as a result of the
openness of the families concerned" he said.
Fellow leader, Paddy McMahon from Omagh Boys and Girls Club also felt the trip provided a welcome break for those who took part.
"These young people related so well to one another and bonded friendships with young people in Liverpool.
"Such experiences and projects are important and positive for young people affected by Omagh's tragedy because they show that people care what happened to them and are prepared to help them on their difficult journey of healing" he added.
TEAM co-ordinator at the Bridge Centre, Michael Duffy has endorsed last weekend's visit to Liverpool, saying the experience "helps compensate for the destructive side of human behaviour" which visited Omagh nine months ago.
Following the outrage, around 450 people from 2 to 78 years old received counselling by specialists at the Trauma Centre.
One hundred have now been "discharged," but Mr Duffy expects a further caseload increase as the tragedy's first anniversary approaches.
"It would have been easy for the generosity of others to cease flowing after the first few weeks, but thankfully there are still people outside Omagh who continue to offer weekends away and trips abroad.
"That certainly demonstrates how deeply the events of last August affected people's hearts and minds.
"I would also like to compliment the staff who are working with the youth networks, who play a very important part in the restoration of the community" he added.
Two of the youth leaders who accompanied the young victims believe enormous benefits were gained from the experiences of last weekend.
For Gary Mortland - who is attached to the Hospital Road Community Centre this was the second such group he had accompanied to Merseyside.
"These memorable experiences help the participants return to a form of normality after the tragedy.
"Everybody was prepared to go that extra yard and when you encounter that warmth, you realise the events of last August are not forgotten.
"The hospitality and new bonds which have been forged, make the trip very worthwhile and this is only made possible as a result of the
openness of the families concerned" he said.
Fellow leader, Paddy McMahon from Omagh Boys and Girls Club also felt the trip provided a welcome break for those who took part.
"These young people related so well to one another and bonded friendships with young people in Liverpool.
"Such experiences and projects are important and positive for young people affected by Omagh's tragedy because they show that people care what happened to them and are prepared to help them on their difficult journey of healing" he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1260
Published Date: 20-May-99
Related Images
