Since 2001 the Foundation has advocated on behalf of victims and survivors, raising awareness of their needs and engaging decision makers in learning the lessons from the past.  The Foundation is continuing this work, particularly with the Critical Incident Response Advisory Group (CIRAG) which it created in 2005.  The Advocacy Group (Steps Towards Empowerment & Positive Survival) is made up of victims and survivors who, supported by Foundation expertise, are advocating on their own behalf.  The Foundation is developing an advocacy training programme with areas such as media handling, raising issues to Government, and presentation skills.  This will equip survivors with the skills and resources to advocate for themselves and others.

Further advocacy is strengthened by the provision of an online community for victims and survivors to communicate, which has a forum for sharing experiences and learning from each other, as well as information and advice.

The learning is being fed into the victims' policy and practice arena and the Foundation is extending its networking and raising awareness of the needs of victims.  The Foundation also offers bespoke training to Local Authorities and those working in Emergency Response about the needs of people affected by major incidents.  The Foundation also continues to network with agencies across Europe and beyond to take the learning to an international audience.  Similarly the Foundation is maintaining its signposting activity, ensuring that those new people who come forward can be given the right information to get the support they need.  The Foundation is extending the networking and raising awareness of the needs of people affected by conflict. 

If you are interested in learning more about advocacy or joining STEPS, or would like to discuss training options please contact the Foundation on 01925 581 231 or email info@foundation4peace.org.