GRACE Transitional Justice Grassroots Toolkit Group, with Bridge of Hope Legacy Coordinator Áine Magee, receiving their certificates from Eilish Rooney Ulster University and TJI.

Bridge of Hope, a department of Ashton Community Trust recently held a graduation style event for women from Ardoyne that had completed an important dealing with the past programme. The programme was delivered by Bridge of Hope Legacy Coordinator Áine Magee and delivered to GRACE women’s group over several months. Eilish Rooney from the Transitional Justice Institute (TJI) at Ulster University (UU) presented the certificates on 17 November 2017. The Transitional Justice Grassroots Toolkit programme has been developed by Ashton’s Bridge of Hope department in partnership with TJI at UU over recent years and has been used in communities most affected by the legacy of the conflict. The programme places a key value on the lived experiences of local people and encourages discussions about next steps for the future. “We’re delighted for GRACE Women’s group in Ardoyne who completed their studies and graduated in style,” Irene Sherry Head of Victims & Mental Health Services said. “There was such a wealth of experience, and knowledge in the room from these amazing women, and sharing of insights about past and present challenges we are facing in our society. Thanks to Eilish Rooney who presented certificates with such warmth and generosity. Congratulations to everyone, well done.”

Transitional Justice Grassroots Toolkit Programme, a partnership between Ashton’s Bridge of Hope department and Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University