About Us

MAST has developed from the victims support group MVG (Mourne Victims Group) which was created to address the needs of relatives who lost loved ones or those who have been injured as a result of "The Troubles". We are an innocent victims/survivors group made up principally of families of those who were murdered or injured in the Kingdom of Mourne and accross Ulster.
As MAST develops through both the financial support of our funders and the invaluable support of our members and friends we have found our group growing all the time. We have over 200 members across the world, all with connections back to Mourne.

Why now?
In 1994 with the introduction of the "Republican Ceasefire" the needs of the Innocent Victims of terrorism were yet again placed on the back burner. However in 1998 the government, through the Belfast agreement, eventually decided to offer some funding and help to previously ignored families. At the same time the definition of the word "Victim" has been tarnished to enable those perpetrators of terrorist violence to claim the status of being a "victim".
We in MAST do not accept this.
The aim of MAST is to provide help, guidance and support to members and their families in a safe space whilst at the same time influence decision makers within local and national government. We continue to seek justice for our loved ones, murdered by Republican Terrorists, in order that one day the murderers will be help accountable for their crimes.

Our Purpose
MAST aims to provide a supportive and caring service to those who have been bereaved or injured physically or psychologically by the last 50 years of republican terrorism.
We provide help and advice on practical issues through:

  • A drop in service where members are welcome to call into the office for support, advice, help with paperwork or just a friendly chat.
  • Signposting to external services and partner groups that can provide appropriate support e.g. counselling, welfare, complimentary therapies where needed.
  • Regular Group Meetings such as the Ladies Wednesday Group where all ladies in MAST are welcome to join together weekly for a coffee and The Harbour Lunch Group is for all members over 65 and meets monthly for a hot meal, both meetings offer an opportunity to learn new skills, join in friendship for mutual support or to alleviate loneliness.
  • Social Events that enable members to meet in a safe environment, among those with shared experiences to provide opportunities to learn, visit educational or historical points of interest or simply to meet and enjoy company among friends.
  • Befriending Service is in place for members who are socially isolated and unable to attend MAST events. Our befrienders are trained to support socially and provide a listening ear and friendship to any members  in need of company.
  • Classes for personal or professional development which in the past have included computer skills, dance, cookery, art therapy, pottery etc.

We work alongside VSS, QE5, the Regional Trauma Network, SEFF, our local mens shed for Veterans and other local services.

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