Support for people affected by the terrorist attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester

 

Following the recent terrorist attack, and as more details emerge in the news, it can continue to be traumatic and triggering. This webpage includes resources and information for services that are here to help those affected.

Public helplines

  • NHS 111 mental health line, available 24/7
    • Call: 111 and select option 2
  • Greater Manchester Bereavement Service single point of access (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5pm)

Psychological support for community leaders and public sector workers

Psychological support is available through the Critical Incident and Trauma Service and the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub for professionals and faith leaders involved in the response, as well as for health and social care colleagues including voluntary, community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, and health and local authority colleagues who are supporting the incident

 

Supporting adults following a traumatic and distressing event

This advice from Greater Manchester Resilience Hub can be helpful to look after yourself and your family:

  • Remind yourself that having strong feelings and thoughts is understandable and there is no right way to react.
  • Keep to a routine - try and get back to what you would usually be doing. If this feels difficult take it step by step.
  • Look after yourself (eat well, get enough sleep and exercise).
  • Use your senses to sooth yourself – candles, soft lighting, music, soothing smells on your cuff or strong sweets can all help you feel more grounded.
  • If you feel anxious remind yourself this is a reaction to what has happened.
  • Do things to make yourself feel safe. Have things around you that make you feel happy and spend time with people (or pets).
  • Take a break from social media and the news if this feels overwhelming
  • Share positive ways people can respond and support the community
  • If you still find yourself struggling, please reach out to your GP or local mental health services.
     
NHS GM image

 

Supporting teenagers following a traumatic and distressing event

It is normal for teenagers to experience many mixed emotions, distressing thoughts, and images as they try to make sense of what has happened.

What can help:

  • There is no right or wrong way to react: let your child know their reactions are normal and understandable
  • Be available to talk and answer questions; children of all ages want to make sense of what has happened
  • Encourage connection with friends and family
  • Help reduce unhelpful social media activity or news consumption related to the event
  • Encourage good fuelling’ with health, regular meals, hydration and good sleep patterns
  • Suggest normal routines and activities are continued as soon as possible
  • Model health coping styles and see if they will join you for a walk, a swim, a visit, cooking, music
  • Remind your child of how they have coped with distressing events before
  • Help them take each day as it comes

Useful links:

 

Supporting young children following a traumatic and distressing event

As children try and make sense of what has happened, it is normal for them to experience many mixed emotions, distressing thoughts and images.

What can help:

  • Let children know their reactions are normal and understandable and that you are there for them
  • Create safety and predictability with usual routines and activities, where possible
  • Keep your child well fuelled and rested with regular food, drinks, bathing and sleeping
  • Be available to talk when your child is ready, be curious about what they are saying, drawing or how they are playing
  • Help children make sense of what has happened; provide simple age appropriate answers to questions
  • Encourage connection with friends and family; children feel safe with normality
  • Recognise that many changes in behaviour are temporary and probably triggered by fear and distress caused by the original event
  • Have realistic expectations of your child, reduce unnecessary demands
     
NHS GM image
NHS GM image