Charity supporting victims

Charity supporting victims

Bridge Centre
5A Holmview Avenue
Omagh
BT79 0AQ
United Kingdom

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Omagh Support & Self Help Group (OSSHG) is the charity founded in the aftermath of the Omagh Bomb in August 1998 to give support and solace to victims of terrorism and the wider community affected by such acts.

Omagh Support and Self Help Group was set-up by the survivors of the bomb and has been serving the people of Omagh and further afield ever since. The charity provides services in three main areas:

    • to support the well-being of victims of terrorism and to improve our quality of life

    • to support the involvement of victims of terrorism in our community

    • to tell the story of Omagh, our people and our experiences before, during and since the bomb in August 1998.

      In practical terms our Charity operates a community centre in Omagh that is the hub for social activities, reconciliation seminars, family days, advice, counselling services, education and befriending programmes. We put on a very full programme of activity throughout the year.

      Omagh Support and Self-Help Group is responsive on a daily basis to the needs of our members but we have two main programmes that describe this work.

      Truth and Justice Campaign: Omagh Support and Self Help Group has been actively campaigning since 2002 for a Public Inquiry following the Nuala O'Loan Ombudsman's Report into Omagh Bomb. This is our Truth and Justice Campaign that has involved intensive work lobbying for the rights of victims and survivors of the Omagh bomb. We view this work as an important contribution nationally for victims of terrorism from whatever source. This campaign can have a far-reaching impact as a contribution to improve how the public, the law and the state deals with victims like us. This could improve the way future terrorism victims are treated, cared for and viewed. The campaign also has significant local impact – ensuring the families who lost loved ones and those who were injured physically or mentally by the bomb are remembered, acknowledged and their story is told.  Omagh Support & Self Help Group is also  involved with the Historical Enquires Team and the Police Ombudsman and many other state agencies in the pursuit for Truth and Justice for over 13 years. We have firsthand experience of the process involved and the impact that can have on a family, individual and community. We can identify with, relate to and empathise with those who decide to take this journey. It is our goal to assist them in this process by attending meetings, researching, advocating and providing support throughout and after this process is complete

      Health and Wellbeing Programme: Omagh Support and Self Help Group provides members with counselling and complementary therapy treatments.  These services are carried out in fully equipped and risk assessed therapy rooms with disability access and dedicated disabled parking. We offer a befriending service and have a drop in facility located at our charity shop and office.

      Transgenerational Activities:  Omagh Support Group strongly believe that if we are to effectively help our members in their transition and journey of recovery this cannot be done by isolating the individual and only working with them. We need to work with the wider family circle as all have been affected by the trauma. Young people are extremely perceptible and research indicates that trans-generational trauma affects 3 generations. For this reason we believe it is vital we deliver activities that are focused on young people and the family. Within this plan of work is a series of training and development opportunities in areas of active citizenship and peer support, underpinned by activities promoting social interaction and cultural diversity.

      Education and Training:  Omagh Support provide a range of educational and recreational courses and are an approved OCNNI Centre for learning.

      Welfare Advice:  Many individuals and families affected by the Troubles experience financial difficulties. Our welfare advice service is designed to offer specialist information and advice.

      European and International associations of victims of terrorism:  We are involved in a number of international victims and survivors victims groups including Strength to Strength NewYork, Radicalisation Association Network (RAN) and Network Association of Victims of Terrorism (NAVT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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More Information

Type of Organisation

VCSE

Acronym

Charity supporting victims

Team

  • Cat Wilkinson