The University of Liverpool is to host a conference, which will explore the `bounce back’ or resilience factor involved in the recovery of survivors of critical incidents, including terrorist attacks.
Mapping Resiliences, held jointly with the Warrington based charity, the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, will bring together a wide range of people involved in different ways with resilience to identify what resilience is, how it is developed and how it can be used in policy and practice.
Resilience – or the bounce back factor – is necessary in order to cope with life and adapt to situations. Psychologists have identified some of the factors that make people resilient, among them a positive attitude and optimism. Even after traumatic experiences, resilient people are able to change course and carry on.
Professor Sandra Walklate, Head of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology at the University, said: “This event brings together theory and practice together in an interesting and novel way. We are really excited by the prospect of nurturing a meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship with the Foundation.”
Survivor of London’s 7/7 attack in 2005, Lisa French, will share her experience of such extreme trauma and the ways in which it has changed her life including her involvement in the Mines Advisory Group’s Cambodia Challenge. Lisa is working closely with the Foundation on a range of funding initiatives.
Other speakers at the conference include Frank Furedi, Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent who has published widely about controversies relating to health, parenting and children: food and new technology. Ana Cardem-Coyne, Senior Lecturer and Co-Director of the Centre for Cultural History of War at the University of Manchester will also take part. Ana is author of a range of publications on military history including Wounded Visionaries for the Guardian commemorative booklet series in 2008.
The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace was set up by Colin and Wendy Parry following the death of their 12-year-old son Tim and 3-year-old Johnathan Ball after the IRA bombed Warrington in 1993. Wilf and Marie, Johnathan’s parents, have given their full support to the organisation.
The Peace Centre (Warrington) is a unique LIVING legacy and memorial to Tim and Johnathan. It was built with local, national and international support, and was opened on 20March 2000 – the seventh anniversary of the bombing. It is a £3m state of the art, fully equipped learning centre where people affected by violent conflict are empowered to make positive contributions within their own communities.