Peace and Reconciliation Group

The Mediation Service has been in operation for several years now and has carried out a number of mediations with various groups and individuals. We have also trained in excess of 200 people who have now gained relevant qualifications.

Here are some of the comments from participants and users of the Mediation Service.

“PSNI’s view is that PRG has made a valuable contribution to supporting people at local interfaces in developing their confidence and skills in conflict resolution”.

“PRG has a vital role to play in helping others develop skills to resolve local conflict impartially”.

"The Mediation Service has allowed me to think “out-of-the-box” in terms of new approaches to solving conflict."

“Being able to learn and experience new approaches with other individuals in a safe learning environment has been extremely useful to me in both my family life and community life”

“Enhanced my personal skills and abilities to see a problem from a number of perspectives.”

"The service has developed the capacity of local communities and programme participants to address issues, in a balanced and a neutral way. Thus aiding dialogue and ultimately community and political relationships."

“Opportunities to dialogue are very important, especially when dealing with contentious issues”.

“A considerable amount of political progress has been made locally, largely as a result of the interventions of people who understand the importance of mediation.”

"A number of local forums have been working with PRG over many years to address sectarianism and racism. As a result I feel the Mediation Service does have a direct influence on levels of sectarianism."

“Young people seem now more aware of the need to be tolerant, so yes, the programme has led to some level of reduction in sectarianism.”

"PRG through involvement with the Interface Forum has facilitated the engagement of marginalised local communities in the decision-making process."

“Through the training programme individual personal skills and confidence has been developed. This leads to inclusion.”

“The training has helped me to see the importance of ensuring that all sides have a voice in a conflict situation. This includes the marginalised.”

"The Mediation Service has been and continues to be a very useful vehicle to bring communities together."

"PRG has made a considerable contribution to the promotion of cross community dialogue and cooperation over many years.”

"PSNI are extremely happy with the Mediation Service and value the contribution that it makes in promoting a more peaceful and sustainable society.”