Support Following a Major Incident
Experiencing or being affected by a major incident can have a significant impact on your wellbeing. It is normal to experience a range of emotional, physical and psychological reactions in the days, weeks and months that follow. The resources below provide practical advice, emotional support and specialist help for those affected directly or indirectly.
Specialist Support for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism
The Support Hub for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism offers free, specialist support for people affected by terrorism, including victims, survivors, bereaved families and witnesses.
The service is delivered by Victim Support, Peace Collective and the National Psychology Service for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.
Access the Support Hub:
🔗 https://terrorismsurvivorhub.org.uk/
Victim Support
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to helping people affected by traumatic incidents across England and Wales. It provides specialist support to help individuals cope, recover and move forward.
24/7 Support Line: 0808 168 9111
Live Chat 🔗 https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat
Coping After a Traumatic Event
NHS Guidance
Following a major incident, it is common to experience stress, shock, anxiety, difficulty sleeping or changes in mood. The NHS trauma leaflet explains common reactions to traumatic events and provides practical coping strategies.
Read the leaflet:
🔗 NHS: Coping with Stress After a Traumatic Event (PDF)
Bereavement and Grief SupportÂ
NHS Bereavement Resources
If a major incident has resulted in the loss of a loved one or someone close to you, the NHS provides guidance on grief, bereavement and where to seek additional support.
Find support:
🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-bereavement-loss/
Support for Carers
Caring for someone who has been injured or affected by a major incident can be emotionally and physically demanding. It is important to look after your own wellbeing while supporting others.
Carers UK
Carers UK provides information, advice and an online community where carers can connect, share experiences and access support.
Visit Carers UK:
🔗 https://www.carersuk.org/
Support for Parents and Carers
NSPCC Helpline
The NSPCC helpline can provide advice and guidance for parents and carers on how to talk to children about a terrorist incident or other traumatic events.
The helpline can also be contacted if you are concerned that a child may be at risk of radicalisation.
Telephone: 0808 800 5000
Find out more:
🔗 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/our-services/nspcc-helpline/
Coping with Anniversaries
For some people, anniversaries of major incidents can trigger difficult emotions or bring back distressing memories. This is a common response and support is available.
NHS Guidance on Incident Anniversaries
This leaflet explains common reactions to anniversaries of traumatic incidents and provides practical coping techniques and advice on seeking additional support.
Read the leaflet:
🔗 NHS: Coping with the Anniversary of a Terror Incident (PDF)
Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need urgent support, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or visit your nearest Accident and Emergency department.