Conflict & Legacy

The Bridge of Hope is actively engaged in researching the needs of  victims and survivors of the conflict so that we as a community-based  organisation can better vocalise their position at a strategic level.

Over recent years substantial pieces of research, cross  community confidence building and dialogue sessions have been channelled  through our offices, which, with the help of participants, have  undoubtedly helped steer wider society onto a path of greater awareness,  reconciliation and healing.

One aspect of this work, ‘Making Sense of the Past in the  Present' has already firmly established itself in this field of  research as an important attitudinal tool.

This Bridge of Hope bespoke process is all about engaging  individuals across the ‘divide’ with the objective of gaining a better  understanding of the legacy of the past as an essential element of  reconciliation between communities.

As part of this work, potted history bus tours were  organised to offer individuals the chance to hear at first hand  different community narratives about the conflict from homegrown Belfast  'born and bred' tour guides.  The tours were well received by all, especially in the media.

Other legacy/conflict related projects we have hosted  include the Who Am I? initiative and a substantial piece of research  into trans-generational trauma entitled ‘Too Much Hurt’. This report is  our way of offering a clearer realisation of the conflict’s impact on  communities.

Our latest exploration of the conflict comes under the  banner of Transitional Justice.  Transitional Justice is a term that has come about in  response to systematic or widespread violations of human rights. It  seeks recognition for victims and aims to promote possibilities for  peace, reconciliation, and democracy. We began this work in early 2011  and aim to complete in 2012.