Hundreds of Salford people were present at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night when the terror bomb attack occurred, and they are now being urged by Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Beverley Hughes, and independent charity, Victim Support, to seek free emotional help.
A special phone line has been set up on 0808 168 911, and the service is for people of all ages, and support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"Those who have lost loved ones or whose relatives are seriously ill in hospital will be receiving specialist victim care, but if you were also there on the night or you witnessed the horror that unfolded, practical help and emotional support is also available to you – whether you need it now or months down the line" says Beverley Hughes.
According to research carried out by Victim Support in 2016 into the effects of terrorism on victims and witnesses, 93.5% of survivors they spoke to suffered effects including difficulties sleeping, intense distress when reminded of the incident, anger, flashbacks and anxiety. 78.8% required emotional and psychological support.
"From our experience of supporting victims of terrorism we know witnesses and the wider public are affected by these traumatic incidents" says Ellen Miller, Victim Support's Service Director for Northern England "It can be in the days, weeks or even months afterwards that people feel the emotional impact of witnessing a terrorist incident.
"Families bereaved by terrorism have automatic access to high quality care through the government funded Homicide Service - which is delivered by Victim Support - but witnesses and the wider public who survive an attack and suffer psychological or less serious physical injuries fall through gaps in the system" she explains.
"So far we have received calls from people as young as 16 seeking help following the attacks, as well as distressed parents asking for advice on how to support their children, who have been traumatised by what they witnessed on Monday night" she adds "My message to anyone who has been a victim of this awful act in Manchester, and who feels they need help is to please call us."
Call Victim Support on 0808 168 9111
More information is also available at www.victimsupport.org.uk
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