Supporting those affected by the Manchester Synagogue Attack

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the terrorist attack in Manchester, speak to Victim Support by calling their free 24/7 support line on 0808 168 9111 or via their online live chat. 

People can have very different reactions and needs after a terrorist attack. If you need immediate support please get in touch with the service.

Some people also choose to wait before deciding to approach the service, preferring to use the techniques outlined above while they process a range of complex emotions.

However, psychological evidence shows that if after 4 weeks you do not feel like you are managing those feelings, you should take action to help prevent mental illness and any additional suffering. Please do not wait any longer and please do get in touch with the team.

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Some people such as victims and witnesses and their families, members of the public and teams or services involved in the response may need a psychological assessment and further specialist consultation and one-to-one support. This support can help to prevent longer-term post-traumatic stress and symptoms.

This is through the Critical Incident and Trauma Service (from the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub), which accepts referrals online and by phone.

People can be referred into this service by teams in front-line roles, or alternatively, they can refer themselves straight into it.

This is how to get in touch:

• • Call: 03330 095 071
  • Email: pcn-tr.gm.help@nhs.net

They are open from 9am – 3pm, Monday – Friday (excluding bank holidays).  They will be closed weekends, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve

This Critical incident support service flyer contains more information about the service.

The Independent Public Advocate supports victims and bereaved families following major incidents in England and Wales. They are completely independent and work only and act solely in the interests of victims, survivors and bereaved families.

You may be eligible for support if:

• You suffered devastating or life-changing injuries during the attack
• You are a close family member or friend of someone who died or was seriously harmed
• You were present at or near Heaton Park Synagogue during the attack on 2 October

They can help you:

Access emotional and practical support services
Understand your rights and help you to navigate and take part in investigations, inquests, and inquiries
Ensure your voice is heard throughout these processes and advocate for your needs if they are not being met

More information is available on the Independent Public Advocate website and you can request support by filling in their online form.

Contact them on by

• calling 0161 983 0902 or
• emailing gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs.net

They are open from 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday (excluding bank holidays). They will be closed weekends, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve

If you need urgent mental health support for a mental health crisis. Call NHS 111 and select option 2. This number is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NHS 111 accessibility

• If you need help in British Sign Language (BSL) an NHS 111 SignVideo service is available
• If you have a hearing problem, use text relay. Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK App or a text phone

Supporting children and young people can be difficult as parents and carers are trying to process what has happened.  It is normal for children and young people to experience many mixed emotions, distressing thoughts, and images as they try to make sense of what has happened. There is some specific advice to support children and young people and teenagers as they navigate these feelings.

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

Useful links

• A guide for children and young people about understanding and managing trauma
• Significant incident resource for students under 18
• Significant incident resource for education staff for students under 18
• Looking after your child after following trauma

Supporting children and young people can be difficult as parents and carers are trying to process what has happened.  It is normal for children and young people to experience many mixed emotions, distressing thoughts, and images as they try to make sense of what has happened. There is some specific advice to support children and young people and teenagers as they navigate these feelings.

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

• A guide for children and young people about understanding and managing trauma
• Significant incident resource for students under 18
• Significant incident resource for education staff for students under 18
• Looking after your child after following trauma

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.

• Call: 03330 095 071
• Email: pcn-tr.gm.help@nhs.net
• Or visit the self-referral portal

Please note that there will be additional, dedicated support for people who were present on the day at the Synagogue and all the affected loved ones and those who witnessed it.