A Partnership 'First' for University and Peace Centre

The University of Liverpool is joining forces with Warrington based charity, the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace to host a conference on the ‘bounce back’ or resilience factor involved in the recovery of survivors of critical incidents, including terrorist attacks.

Mapping Resiliences, to be held at the University’s Foresight Centre on 2 December, will bring together a diverse range of those concerned, in different ways, with resilience, to identify what constitutes resilience, how it is developed and, importantly, ways in which it can be used in policy and practice.

Commenting on the conference, the University’s Head of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, Professor Sandra Walklate said, ‘This event brings 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.’

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 someone resilient, among them a positive attitude and optimism. Even after traumatic experiences, resilient people are able to change course and carry on.

Distinguished speakers include Frank Furedi, Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent who has published widely about controversies relating to issues such as health, parenting and children, food and new technology. Joining him is Ana Carden-Coyne, senior lecturer and co-director of the Centre for Cultural History of War at the University of Manchester and author of a range of publications on military history including Wounded Visionaries for the Guardian commemorative booklet series in 2008.

Survivor of London’s 7/7 terrorist attack in 2005, Lisa French, will share her experience of such extreme trauma and the ways in which it has affected her life subsequently including involvement in the Mines Advisory Group’s Cambodia Challenge. Lisa is working closely with the Foundation on a range of fundraising initiatives.

Peace Foundation Programme Manager, Jo Dover will discuss the Foundation’s Big Lottery funded work with victims and survivors of political violence and terrorism which offers the opportunity for participants to transform their experience of trauma into something positive.