About Us
Building Bridges for Peace advances conflict transformation by facilitating those involved in hostilities to break the cycle of violence and revenge by appreciating the humanity of their opponents and the power of empathy.
Building Bridges for Peace
Creating connection, challenging dehumanisation and inspiring positive change.
Building Bridges for Peace is a UK registered charity working to transform conflict through empathy, dialogue and a recognition of our shared humanity.
We believe that even across the deepest divisions, there is the possibility of understanding, connection and change.
Through peace education, workshops, storytelling and facilitated dialogue, we create opportunities for people to challenge assumptions, listen across differences and discover non-violent ways of responding to conflict.
Our work takes place in schools, communities and organisations in the UK and internationally, empowering people to become positive changemakers in their own lives and communities.
Our Beginnings
Building Bridges for Peace grew out of the personal journey of our founder, Jo Berry CBE, following the death of her father, Sir Anthony Berry MP, in the 1984 Brighton bombing.
Jo’s commitment to understanding those responsible eventually led to her meeting Patrick Magee in 2000. Their ongoing dialogue has become an extraordinary example of what can be possible when people choose to recognise one another’s humanity across profound differences.
The charity was publicly launched in Brighton in October 2009, on the 25th anniversary of the bombing.
What began with one extraordinary relationship has developed into a much wider approach to peacebuilding, drawing on the learning from lived experience to help others navigate conflict and division.
Our Mission
Our mission is to challenge dehumanisation, promote non-violence and create opportunities for courageous dialogue across differences.
We work to help people understand the roots of conflict, develop empathy and deep listening, and discover how they can respond to difficult situations without blame or harm.
We are particularly committed to empowering young people, supporting communities affected by conflict and encouraging leaders and organisations to create cultures of understanding and respect.
We believe that lasting peace is built not only through political agreements, but through the everyday choices and relationships of ordinary people.
Working Together for Peace
Building Bridges for Peace works in partnership with schools, community groups, youth organisations, peacebuilding initiatives and others who share our commitment to non-violence and dialogue.
We recognise that no single organisation has all the answers. Our approach is collaborative, rooted in listening, learning and responding to the needs of the people and communities we work alongside.
Our work is supported by our trustees, partners, supporters and the many people who contribute to creating opportunities for dialogue and positive change.
Our Vision
We want to contribute to a world where differences do not have to lead to division, where conflict can be addressed without violence, and where everyone recognises their capacity to make a positive difference.
We believe that building peace is something we can all take part in. Together, we can create a world where our shared humanity matters more than the labels that divide us.
“I think it is good therapy for individuals like Pat and Jo to tell their stories. Finding out the truth from those stories is a key to heal the wounds. Healing comes through understanding and a realisation that my humanity is inextricably caught up in yours – no matter what terrible things you might have done.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
To be a subject of a grievous wrong is always wounding and painful and can frequently provoke anger.
Terry Waite CBE – humanitarian and former hostage
However, anger, if allowed to fester is like a cancer of the soul. It does more harm to those who hold it than against those whom it is held.
Jo Berry knows from personal experience what it is to have to face deep suffering as her father was blown up in a IRA bomb. She has let go of personal need for revenge and empathised with Patrick Magee, the man responsible for planting the bomb.
To hear her speak alongside the one who killed her father is a living demonstration of the transforming power of reconciliation when two people who have been on different sides truly listen and can see each other’s humanity, an example this sad world so desperately need.
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