Following the tragic incident in Liverpool City Centre on Monday 26 May, Knowsley Council is reminding all residents who may have been impacted that help and support is available.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said:
“We know that many thousands of our residents went along on Monday to enjoy the LFC parade and celebrate with friends and family. What started out as a wonderful celebration sadly ended in tragedy for those caught up in the incident in the city centre. Alongside the people who were injured and directly involved there are hundreds of others, including children and young people, who have been impacted.
It is perfectly normal for people to feel really worried and upset following incidents like this, so I want to make sure all our residents know that help and support is available if you or someone you know is struggling. You are not alone.”
Mental health support
Experiencing a trauma can impact people in lots of different ways. Everyone responds differently but people can expect to feel a range of emotions including anger, shock, numbness or worry. You might also experience physical symptoms including headaches, dizziness, tiredness or general aches and pains. These feelings are likely to pass in time, but help is available should you need it.
Think Wellbeing Knowsley offers free therapy for people struggling with their mental health.
Residents can access a range of mental health support through the Kind to Your Mind website
Support for children and young people
Following a traumatic experience, some children may experience a range of emotions including fear, anxiety, anger, upset or experience nightmares or a loss of appetite. They may also have physical symptoms (like headaches), struggle to sleep or be more clingy than usual.
Here are some ways to help:
- Reassure children they are safe and that tragic events like these are rare
- Listen carefully to children and young people’s fears and worries
- Reassure them you’re here to listen whenever they want to talk about things
- Reassure them its ok to be upset and have a number of different feelings and emotions
- Provide children with help and patience to express their feelings
- Shield children, and particularly young children, from disturbing images on the TV or internet
- Answer questions honestly, in an age-appropriate way but avoid complicated or worrying explanations that could be frightening or confusing
- Continue to keep routines and normal daily activities, supporting children to eat, sleep, exercise, relax and stay healthy
- Create opportunities to do positive activities
Advice and guidance is available through Knowsley Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) that works with young people up to the age of 18. Parents and carers speak to your GP, health visitor, social worker or school health advisor who will be able to refer you into this specialist service.
There is lots of help and support available online
- Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community (commissioned by the Council and the NHS) that provides anonymous and personalised mental health support for children and young people
- The Young Person’s Advisory Service provides mental health and emotional well-being services for Merseyside’s children, young people and families
- Listening Ear provide support for children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. Self-referrals are welcome Email enquiries@listening-ear.co.uk, call 0151 488 6648 or visit listening-ear.co.uk
- You can find out about NHS help and support here
- Young Minds is a mental health charity for children and young people
- Mind provides a range of information and useful contacts for young people