Victims and Survivor Trust (VAST)

Mission Statement

Victims and Survivors Trust’s mission is to assist and support those individuals and families adversely affected by the conflict. We deliver a variety of programmes within a safe environment enabling remembrance and reconnection. We aim to support individuals and families looking for truth recovery in the hope that we can assist them in their transition from victim to survivor.

Who are VAST?

Victims and Survivors Trust (VAST) is a charitable organisation, established in 1998. Although the group is based in West Belfast our membership and services are available to all individuals and families who have suffered as a result of the conflict.

Over the past decade VAST has established a range of services and activities for those most affected by the conflict. We have built relationships with other victims groups, with other community groups and with statutory, voluntary and community providers of services of benefit to our members.

Some of our key achievements to date include:

• The provision of support and advice to almost 500 families.
• Open the Files Campaign.
• The establishment of a trauma support service and befriending service.
• Establishment of a strong volunteer base.
• A range of services enabling families to re-connect with each other with the aim to reduce/prevent trans-generational trauma.

Who is VAST for?

There has been much debate about the definition of a victim. VAST promotes an inclusive definition and the right of people to define it for themselves. We resist the notion of a hierarchy of victims because it prevents people from accessing support, from feeling included and from feeling entitled to services on an equal basis.