In response to the tragic incident that happened in Southport on 29th July 2024. It's common to experience a wide range of reactions, which will be all individual and not easy to predict. Some people will find little or no effect upon them; others may experience very strong reactions. These reactions can affect people in their work, social and homelife.
During these times it can be difficult to know how to best support our children. It's normal for them to experience a range of emotions that can be overwhelming. Media coverage can sometimes intensify feelings of distress and fear, limiting access to the media coverage is a good place to start.
Keeping occupied and in a routine can also help. Having the support of others you trust can be invaluable and seeking specialist help and support, if required, will enable and benefit your overall wellbeing. We have put together a list of national and local support services and helplines to help you at this time.
National Support
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/13865002
Information on supporting children who are upset by the news
NHS DIRECT 0845 46 47 (24 hrs)
https://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Health advice and reassurance
YOUNG MINDS
https://www.youngminds.org.uk
The UK's leading charity committed to improving emotional well-being and mental health or children and young people
EVERY MIND MATTERS
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing
PARENTS 0808 800 2222
https://www.familylives.org.uk
Advice and support on parenting and family life
PAPYRUS 0800 068 4141
https://www.papyrus-uk.org
Prevention of young suicide. HopelineUK open 9ammidnight, everyday
THE SAMARITANS 116123
https:://www.samaritans.org
24 hour confidential support by phone or e-mail
CHILD BEREAVEMENT UK 0800 0288840
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/
Help for children, young people and their families when a child grieves or when a child dies.
NHS MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE 0500 639000
https://www.lancs-mentalhealthhelpline.nhs.uk
Will put you in touch with local support services or are there to listen
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Help for adults concerned about a child
CHILDLINE 0800 1111
https://www.childline.org.uk
24 hour free confidential advice - whatever the problem or worry. Options to Email / Chat to counsellor online.
KOOTH
https://www.kooth.com
Free, safe and anonymous online support and counselling
WINSTON'S WISH 08088 020 021
https://www.winstonswish.org
Emotional and practical bereavement support to children, young people and those who care for them
CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE 0844 477 9400, 01772 686668
https://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
UK TRAUMA COUNCIL
https://www.uktraumacouncil.org/resources/critical-incidents
Support for children, young people and their families
Sefton
Anyone aged 16 and over
0800 145 6570
Urgent mental health support, call our 24/7 freephone
Children and young people Crisis Care Team – 24/7
0808 196 3550 or 0151 293 3577.
Sefton & Liverpool CAMHS services
Promote the mental health & wellbeing of all children, young people, families & carers. This platform provides you with useful resources to support mental health & wellbeing for children and young people. It also allows young people (14+) parents/ carers and professionals to make referrals to Sefton & Liverpool CAMHS services: https://www.seftonliverpoolcamhs.com
Young Persons Advisory Service (YPAS)
Provides mental health & emotional wellbeing services for Merseyside’s Children, Young people & their families: https://www.ypas.org.uk/
Mental health Support Teams (MHST)
Liaise with your school provision to access.
SHOUT 85258
A free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. Text GREEN to 85258 for immediate support.
Sefton Family Hubs
Offer support for you and your family from local services both in person & online. Find your local family hub: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/childrens-services/earlyhelp/family-wellbeing-hubs/
Alder Hey
Parent and carer who's child is suffering with mental health issues support group: https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-hub/freshplus-parent-carer-support-group/
Lancashire
Wellbeing Helpline & Texting Service.
A listening service for the residents of Lancashire & South Cumbria. It is a Freephone out of hours, person centred listening environment for people requiring emotional support in relation to their own wellbeing and mental health or that of someone they know.
Our Call service is available Monday to Friday 7pm-11pm & Saturday to Sunday 12pm to midnight.
Our Text service is available Monday to Friday 10am-11pm & Saturday to Sunday 12pm to midnight.
Contact the helpline on 0800 915 4640 or by texting Hello to 07860 022 846.
Our Mental Health Crisis Line
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0800 953 0110
Children's Psychological Services (CAMHS)
Offer specialist mental health advice, support & assessment and service.
Preston - Telephone: 01772 777344
West Lancs - 01695 684 262
Compass Bloom MHST Central & West Lancs
https://www.compass-uk.org/services/west-and-centrallancashire-mhsts/
Tel: 01772 280123 or email: [email protected]
Lancashire Mind
Talking therapies offer a range of free talking therapies to people aged 16 & over in Lancashire & 18 and over in South Cumbria: https:://www.lancashiremind.org.uk/
Lancashire Family Hubs
Offer support for you and your family from local services both in person and online.
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-educationfamilies/family-hubs/
Lancashire Positive Minds
Support families whose child has mental health difficulties across Lancashire via face-to-face meetings and a virtual network.
https://www.lancashirepositiveminds.co.uk