Looking after yourself following a terrorist attack

If you have been caught up in the terrible attack in Manchester on 22 May 2017 you may feel frightened, upset or angry. Even if you haven’t been directly affected, events like this can have a major impact on how you feel. Everybody reacts differently and whatever you are feeling is completely normal, there is no right or wrong way to react.

Things you can try to help you cope

  • Spend time with the people you feel close to and talk about what has happened
  • Talk about your feelings with someone you trust and feel comfortable with
  • Talk about your worries at your own pace
  • Take time to grieve, it is ok to be upset. Letting your feelings out can make you feel better
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Tell your family, friends or someone else you trust if you need support
  • Try to return to your regular routine. This may feel strange at first but it can help you feel more in control of what is happening in your life
  • Look after yourself, try to eat and sleep well, exercise and relax
  • Try to do something you enjoy
  • Don’t give yourself a hard time. Coping with a traumatic event is difficult and stressful, don’t expect too much of yourself


Supporting children

Specialist support for children and young people in Lancashire is available through our Nest Lancashire service. Through Nest young people can access support in person, by email or via text message. The Nest worker will work with the young person to find the right type of support for them and to help them move forward.

Call: 0300 111 0323
Email: info@nestlancashire.org
Website: www.nestlancashire.org

If your child has been affected by the events in Manchester the best way to support them is to give them the opportunity to talk about what happened.

  • Give children the opportunity to talk, if and when they want to
  • Acknowledge their feelings and assure them that you understand
  • Try to reassure them to make them feel safe
  • Talk about what has happened but avoid sharing graphic and frightening images
  • This guidance from the BBC can help you talk to your child about what has happened.

Accessing support

If you have been affected we are here to support you. We provide emotional support and practical help to make sure you can move forward.

We will work with you to find the best way forward together. Whether you simply need someone to talk to or need practical help in dealing with the impact of what has happened, we are here to support you.

Contact us on 0300 323 0085, email info@lancashirevictimservices.org or use our contact us form.

Mental health concerns

It is completely normal to feel emotional and distressed following a terrorist attack. Events like the one in Manchester can trigger a range of emotional responses which can include feeling sad, angry, anxious or distressed. These responses are a normal part of recovery and are the mind’s mechanisms of trying to make sense and come to terms with what has happened. They should subside over time.

If you are concerned you can speak to your GP to access mental health support. The NHS has also released this mental health wellbeing advice which you may find useful.