Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson presenting certificates to women from Lenadoon who completed a Transitional Justice Grassroots Toolkit programme with Bridge of Hope and Legacy Coordinator Aine Magee

Bridge of Hope (Ashton’s health & wellbeing project) ran a dealing with the past programme in Lenadoon, West Belfast aimed at empowering local people who have been affected by the legacy of the conflict. The Transitional Justice Grassroots Toolkit programme was delivered to women at Glen Community Centre in Autumn 2019. It finished with a graduation style ceremony with Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson (CVSNI) giving a talk and handing out certificates. The Toolkit programme, a partnership between Ashton’s Bridge of Hope project and TJI at Ulster University, captures group accounts of life affected by violence, unrest, conflict, hope, resilience, community spirit and strength. As well as reflecting on local events, the Toolkit ‘goes global’ with case studies on international countries rebuilding after conflict such as South Africa, Argentina and Peru. So far over 600 people have taken part in the Toolkit programmes over the last number of years. Previous courses have involved community activists, residents, ex-prisoners, statutory agencies and international students from across the region. Taking part is easy. Local experiences and views on the conflict and how best to move forward are placed at the heart of the programme.

West Belfast Suicide Awareness Manager Margaret Walker speaks to women about importance of positive mental health, local supports and suicide prevention