Understanding the Victims & Survivors Service (VSS)

Navigating the aftermath of profound historical events can be an intricate and emotionally taxing journey. For those who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the Conflict/Troubles in Northern Ireland, access to understanding, resources, and tangible support is not just beneficial, but often essential for healing and moving forward. This is precisely where the Victims & Survivors Service (VSS) plays a pivotal role. Established to consolidate and streamline the provision of support and funding, the VSS acts as a crucial delivery body, dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of individuals affected by this complex period. On behalf of The Executive Office, the VSS is committed to ensuring that the rights and needs of victims and survivors are prioritised, offering a lifeline to many who have experienced immense hardship.

What is the Victims & Survivors Service (VSS)?

The Victims & Survivors Service (VSS) is a public sector organisation operating in Northern Ireland with a singular, vital mission: to deliver funding and support to victims and survivors of the Conflict/Troubles. Its establishment represents a concerted effort to consolidate the various streams of assistance previously available, creating a more cohesive and accessible system. The VSS is designed to coordinate service delivery and funding in a way that precisely addresses the unique needs of each individual victim and survivor, ensuring that the support provided is not only comprehensive but also delivered at an appropriate standard of care and professionalism.

The VSS operates under the remit of The Executive Office, meaning it is accountable for its procedures, activities, and financial responsibilities to this governmental body. This ensures transparency and adherence to public sector standards. The service is specifically mandated to assist all individuals identified within the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. This legal framework underpins the VSS's commitment to providing assistance to those who have been affected by the Conflict/Troubles in a variety of ways, acknowledging the wide-reaching impact of past events.

Why Should You Consider Contacting the VSS?

The decision to seek support can be a significant one, and understanding the tangible benefits of engaging with an organisation like the VSS is crucial. The impact of the VSS is best illustrated through the experiences of those it has already assisted. Feedback from individuals who have engaged with the service consistently highlights the organisation's dedication and effectiveness:

Testimonials of Support:

• "VSS have always been very supportive and helpful each time I’ve contacted them. They have always gave me good advice regarding support and services they can provide."
• "VSS has been extremely helpful to me over the years. I receive a cheque payment each year which helps with household bills and in the past year they have been able to get me an orthopaedic bed and recliner chair which has been a great help."
• "The staff are extremely supportive and listen to my concerns. They make you feel like you haven’t been forgotten about."

These personal accounts underscore the core values of the VSS: empathy, practical assistance, and a commitment to making individuals feel heard and valued. The ability to provide financial aid for everyday necessities, facilitate access to essential equipment like specialist beds, and offer a listening ear demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the support offered. It’s clear that the VSS strives to go beyond mere administrative functions, aiming to provide genuine, person-centred assistance that can significantly improve the quality of life for victims and survivors.

What Does the VSS Do? The Scope of Services

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) is more than just a funding body; it is an integral part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the needs and promoting the interests of those affected by Northern Ireland's troubled past. Its activities are multifaceted, encompassing both direct service delivery and the coordination of broader initiatives.

Key Functions and Programmes:

• Individual Needs Programme (INP): This programme is designed to provide tailored financial assistance to individuals to meet specific needs arising from their experiences during the Conflict/Troubles. This can include support for health and wellbeing, mobility aids, or other essential requirements.
• Victims Support Programme (VSP): The VSP focuses on providing funding to organisations that deliver services and support to victims and survivors. This allows a wider network of community-based providers to offer essential services, from counselling to advocacy.

Beyond these direct funding streams, the VSS, in conjunction with the Victims and Survivors Unit and the Commission for Victims and Survivors, works to raise awareness and coordinate activities across the devolved administration and the wider Northern Ireland. This ensures a joined-up approach to addressing the ongoing legacy of the past.

The Broader Ecosystem: Commission and Commissioner

To fully understand the VSS's role, it's important to recognise its place within a larger framework designed to advocate for and support victims and survivors:

1. The Executive Office:

As the overarching governmental department, The Executive Office (TEO) has oversight responsibility for both the Commission for Victims and Survivors and the Victims and Survivors Service. TEO is responsible for developing and implementing the overarching strategy for victims and survivors.

2. Commissioner for Victims and Survivors:

The Commissioner is a crucial independent voice, appointed to promote the interests of victims and survivors. This role ensures that the perspectives and needs of victims and survivors are effectively represented at a high level within government and public discourse. The Commissioner provides vital advocacy and ensures that the experiences of victims and survivors are acknowledged and addressed.

3. Commission for Victims and Survivors:

Established to address the needs of all victims and survivors, the Commission focuses on ensuring excellent service provision, acknowledging the legacy of the past, and fostering a better future. It acts as an advisory body to the Government on matters affecting victims and survivors, providing expert guidance based on the experiences and needs of the community it serves. The Commission is accountable to The Executive Office.

4. Victims and Survivors Service (VSS):

As detailed, the VSS is the primary delivery body for the strategy. It translates policy into tangible support and funding for individuals and organisations. Its accountability to The Executive Office ensures its operations align with government objectives and standards.

New Strategy for Victims and Survivors

The Executive Office has recently launched a significant New Strategy for Victims and Survivors, charting a course for the period 2024-2034. This forward-looking strategy is built on the principle of ensuring that the right trauma-informed and victim-centred services are in place. The core aims are to:

• Empower and Support: Provide the necessary tools and resources for victims and survivors to take control of their own well-being and recovery.
• Contribute to a Peaceful Future: Acknowledge the past while actively working towards building a shared and peaceful society.
• Focus on Key Areas: Identify and address specific issues that require particular attention to best serve the victim and survivor community.

This new strategy signifies a renewed commitment to addressing the complex and enduring needs arising from the Conflict/Troubles, with the VSS being instrumental in its implementation.

How to Contact the VSS and Access Support

Accessing the support and services offered by the VSS is a straightforward process, with multiple avenues available to ensure ease of contact. Whether you require assistance with applications, health and wellbeing support, or financial guidance, the VSS and its partner organisations are ready to help.

Application Support:

For those applying for schemes such as the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, the VSS works with appointed Welfare Advisors. These professionals offer invaluable advice on the application process and can assist with the completion of necessary forms, simplifying what can often be a daunting task.

Health & Wellbeing Support:

The VSS understands the profound impact that past trauma can have on mental and physical health. To address this, it provides health and wellbeing support through a dedicated network of community providers across Northern Ireland. Information on the specific support available and details on how to contact these community organisations directly can be found on the official VSS website: www.victimsservice.org.

Direct Contact Information:

For general enquiries or to speak directly with a representative of the VSS, you can:

• Telephone: 028 9027 9100
• Email: [email protected]

Financial Advice Partnership: Advice NI

Recognising the significant financial challenges many victims and survivors face, the Victims' Payments Board has partnered with Advice NI. This collaboration provides free, independent advice and guidance on money management and debt. Advice NI can assist with:

• Identifying financial priorities.
• Managing day-to-day finances through income maximisation and expenditure reduction.
• Strategies for saving and building financial resilience.
• Negotiating with creditors and exploring debt solutions.
• Making informed decisions about personal finances.

To access this confidential service, you can contact an Advice NI money and debt adviser between Monday and Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, on 0800 915 4604 (select option 1) or email [email protected]. When contacting Advice NI, it is important to provide your VPB Reference Number, which can be found on all correspondence related to your payments.

It is important to note that while Advice NI offers comprehensive financial advice, they do not provide advice on savings products or investments. For such specific financial planning needs, seeking independent financial advice is always recommended.

Conclusion

The Victims & Survivors Service (VSS) stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to acknowledging and addressing the enduring needs of those affected by the Conflict/Troubles. By providing vital funding, coordinating essential services, and working within a framework that prioritises victim-centred care, the VSS offers a crucial pathway to support, recovery, and a more stable future. If you or someone you know has been impacted, reaching out to the VSS is a significant step towards accessing the help and resources available.