The RESTORE project, facilitated by Voicing the Void, aims to amplify the voices of victims and survivors of serious crime through storytelling.

Aideen McLaughlin, PBNI assistant director, said: “We know from feedback from victims and survivors that they sometimes feel forgotten and unheard throughout the criminal justice process. Our staff are mindful of this and wanted to look at ways to ensure that victims could tell their story and share their experience in a safe and appropriate way.

“We therefore applied for funding for the ‘RESTORE’ project which gives victims and survivors an opportunity to make their voice heard. Indeed it has provided a unique opportunity for people to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings around the impact these crimes have had on them.

“We hope that by sharing their experiences those who participated will feel listened to and supported.”

Shane Whelehan, chief executive of Quaker Service, said: “We are thankful to have partnered with PBNI and Voicing the Void on this project.

“Storytelling is important in witness, in peace witness, and in preserving important parts of our lives, in establishing and re-establishing our identities. It is important to enable people to find their voice and have it heard, and we hope this has been beneficial and restorative for those who shared their stories with us.”

Rory Doherty, chief executive of Voicing the Void, added: “Voicing the Void is proud to facilitate the RESTORE programme.

“RESTORE aims to amplify the voices of victims and survivors of serious crime through storytelling. We sincerely believe listening to these stories will help society create a fairer and more just criminal justice system for all.

“Our RESTORE programme empowers, enables, and encourages participants to realise and share their own personal story. Storytelling can be a means for victims and survivors to reflect and process a difficult and traumatic time in their lives”.