Peace and Reconciliation Group

The Peace and Reconciliation Group (PRG) are a registered charity with over thirty years of experience of working in the community. The organisation was initially established in 1976 as a local group of the Northern Ireland Peace People in Derry / Londonderry. Two years later this became an independent body two years later, continuing the grassroots work that was initiated by its founders. The original intentions of the organisation were to build bridges between the religious and cultural communities in Northern Ireland that had been polarised by the events of the previous ten years and by the institutionalised segregated society, which existed. Today over thirty years later, those original aims remain intact.

A major strand of our work involves getting people to talk to one another. This may happen in the form of structured workshops or training programmes, specifically designed projects, mediation sessions, or in a more private way, as our organisation is know as an unbiased, impartial group and can provide a neutral space for people to meet or seek refuge if necessary.

In addition to the structured work which we are engaged with, the PRG are also involved in assisting community organisations and the Police Services of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to find ways to manage and mediate contentious situations which arise in connection with parades, bonfires, football matches, elections and other events. PRG staff are regularly asked to facilitate meetings, deliver workshops, contribute to public debates and publications, host visits from overseas and participate in other events.

In addition to our work here in Northern Ireland, PRG staff have worked on reconciliation and community relation projects in Africa, the Middle East and Belgium and our director has published several books on facilitation and community relations. All of the above has enhanced and contributed to our organisation and the skills and knowledge of the staff and the ability to view issues from different perspectives.

Annually our work brings us into direct contact with approximately 2000 people, many of whom are either community leaders or entirely new to the field of community relations / good relations.

There is no quick fix to our problems in Northern Ireland, and while great progress has been made since the peace agreement was signed in 1995, great setbacks have also occurred, making the need for this type of work as valid as ever. Though often difficult, the rewards can be huge, with the overall goal a peaceful, inclusive society for all.