L-R Geraldine Quinn - Director of Services, The Peace Factory, Patricia MacBride - Victims Commissioner, Jim Hamilton, Dungannon Council, Roisin Kelly - Chair of The Peace Factory, Gordan Walker - Community Relations Council
Patricia MacBride, Victims Commissioner officially launched The Peace Factory’s Peace Action Zone (PAZ) project on Tuesday 29th June at its premises in Sunnysides House 32a Coalisland Road, Dungannon. Speaking at the launch the Victims Commissioner said:
“…I am delighted to launch the PAZ Project. Success in the Project lies in the fact that not only does it add to the individual but also their carers and the community in which they live. In doing so it helps to heal the individual and communities and I’m particularly pleased to see the valuable work of The Peace Factory continue with this funding under the Peace III Initiative…”
The Peace Factory Project was established in 2001 and offers support and services to victims/survivors of the conflict in South Tyrone and its wider environs. The Peace Action Zone (PAZ) project offers a holistic approach to health and wellbeing helping to ease physical, mental and emotional pain and promote stability. Services include Confidential Counselling, Psychotherapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Trauma Recovery alongside a wide range of Complementary Therapies.
Geraldine Quinn, Director of Services at The Peace Factory said: “The Peace Action Zone (PAZ) Project: Peace III…….
“This Project builds on the work already undertaken by the organisation in Peace II. It will provide support and services across the community to enable those affected to cope with the traumatic, intergenerational affects of the conflict and those who care for them in the Dungannon and South Tyrone area thereby preventing similar outbreaks of violence in the future. We will take a holistic approach to addressing the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual affects of those traumatised.”
The PAZ project is funded under part of the PEACE III Programme, specifically priority 1.2 which deals with acknowledging and dealing with the past is implemented by the Consortium of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council and Pobal.
One of The Peace Factory’s beneficiaries spoke about her personal experience …saying:
“… The Peace Factory has taken me on my own personal journey. It has pointed me in the direction of my present career and encouraged me to become an active member of the committee… ”
The Peace Factory offers a tranquil and ambient setting for the provision of services to its members. It has three well equipped therapy rooms, a counselling room, a training room, refreshments lounge and fully equipped kitchen. The needs of those who benefit from The Peace Factory’s services are at the heart of the organisation and everyone is welcome.
