History and Achievements
Our story till now…
CHIPS has always been shaped by the remarkable individuals who form the heart of the organisation—people who are passionately committed to the pursuit of peace in a world often torn by conflict. These individuals have held onto a vision that many consider unachievable: that two opposing sides, deeply entrenched in conflict, can reconcile and create lasting peace together. Rooted in CHIPS’ philosophy and inspired by Jesus’ example of peacemaking, they have worked with unwavering faith and perseverance. It is this enduring legacy that we continue to build upon today.
Roy Calvocoressi, a barrister and devout Christian, founded CHIPS in the 1960s out of frustration with the UK legal system’s rigid approach to conflict, which insisted on identifying one side as ‘innocent’ and the other as ‘guilty.’ Believing in a more nuanced understanding of conflict and its root causes, he set out to put his ideas into practice. This led him to Cyprus in 1966, where he gathered a team to work at the heart of the division between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
Projects throughout the years
-
![]()
Cyprus
In 1966, CHIPS launched its first peacemaking initiative in Cyprus, caring for abandoned orange groves in divided communities. As the trees flourished, so did hope—local people began returning to tend their land, rekindling relationships fractured by fear and mistrust. This work set a powerful precedent for CHIPS' future, showing that even in the heart of conflict, small, practical acts of peace could rebuild trust and transform communities.
-
![]()
Northern Ireland
Inspired by its work in Cyprus, CHIPS sought to establish a community house in Belfast where Protestants and Catholics could live together as a model of reconciliation. Although the plan proved too difficult to sustain amid the conflict, the house became a hub for local peace initiatives, hosting activities for children, youth, and the elderly in a divided area. While CHIPS eventually withdrew, its efforts contributed to a broader movement of small peace-focused houses in Belfast, demonstrating the power of grassroots reconciliation.
-
![]()
Phillipines
More info to come!
-
![]()
Uganda
More info to come!
-
![]()
Ghana
Situated in Nakpayili, a rural village in Northern Ghana CHIPS creates practical projects that address a decade long distrust between feuding tribes.
-
![]()
Brixton
Located on the Angell Town Estate in Brixton, CHIPS addresses postcode wars and youth violence through holistic programs that tackle the root cause of violence.
