A study has found that nearly a third of young arena attack survivors haven’t received any professional support.
Hundreds of young people were left physically and mentally injured as a result of the bombing in May 2017 — which killed 22 people.
They were out enjoying an evening at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on the night of May 22nd, six years ago, when Salman Abedi detonated a suicide bomb as it was coming to an end.
An online survey by Lancaster University and National Emergencies Trust (NET), in August 2022, found that professional support for victims in the aftermath was limited.
The study, of 236 young people affected by the atrocity, found that 29% had not had any psychological help, despite most feeling damaged by the blast.
The vast majority of respondents said they needed support but 70% had no professional help within the first month, and nearly one in three had nothing in the first year that followed.
The study comes after the government is set to publish a draft ‘survivor’s charter’ in the next coming weeks which is said to guarantee key rights for survivors of terror attacks, and will include a timeline for mental health support for victims.
Three-quarters of the 236 young people involved in the report said they had been psychologically damaged by the blast, while nearly one in five had been injured or had friends or family members injured. About 4% had lost a relative or friend.
The study, called Bee the Difference, was led by the National Emergencies Trust and researchers at Lancaster University. It calls for public bodies to ensure early support is visible and the onus is not on victims to find it, and that specialised trauma help is available wherever they are based.
The report urges professionals to understand that recovery can take time – one in four of the young people surveyed are still receiving psychological support — and that victims should be able to choose the right help for themselves.
The research was led by Dr Cath Hill, who also survived the attack. She said the findings showed that the ‘simple act of validating young people’s views can make a huge difference to their wellbeing, which was something all those in positions of care ‘could be more mindful of should the worst happen again’.
She continued: “Equally, introducing the option of an official survivor status for children’s school or college records could prevent them from having to relive their trauma time and again.”
Mhairi Sharp, Chief Executive of the National Emergencies Trust, said the report exposed a ‘a glaring gap’ in the understanding of how disasters affected children and young people.
“We can raise awareness with our partners so that there is less onus on future survivors to seek out support [and] also offer funding to those who would like to set up peer support groups,” she said.
A Home Office representative said there was ‘practical and emotional support available to anyone impacted by terrorism, including a 24/7 support line, mental health assessments and referrals, and long-term peer support’.
They said the government had ‘worked to strengthen the support available to victims of terrorism, but we know there is still more to do’.
Adding: “The Home Office Victims of Terrorism Unit is currently conducting an internal review into the support package provided to victims of terrorism, to better address their needs following a terrorist attack.”
The brand new Stockport transport interchange is now open for passengers.
Passengers can now use the interchange to catch buses to and from Stockport, and make use of the Bee Network.
The stops at Heaton Lane bus station are now closed, and passengers who previously caught a bus from here can now use the new interchange.
The interchange is part of an exciting £1 billion investment into the town to make it an even better place in which to live, work, play and connect.
Key design aspects of the new development include a fully accessible under cover passenger concourse with a seating area, cycle storage facilities, travel information on screens and a travel shop.
Other facilities include fully accessible toilets with baby changing and Changing Places facilities.
The modern interchange holds 18 bus stands, with capacity to accommodate 164 bus departures per hour to allow for future growth in bus services.
It also holds a unique and lush green space on the roof, which is a welcomed addition for everyone to enjoy .
The rooftop park has been delivered, in collaboration with the Environmental Agency and features a ‘blue-roof’ drainage system that will capture and store rainwater to allow control run-off into drainage outfall and watercourses mitigating any flood risk.
Visitors can use the eye-catching spiral cycle and walking ramp, which connects to the new park as it spans across the Mersey Frontage, Trans Pennine Trail and the River Mersey.
Stair and lift links between the new park, interchange and Trans Pennine Trail to make it accessible for all.
And on top of all that, 196 new, high-quality residential new, high-quality residential apartments off Daw Ban (126 two-bedroom, 70 one-bedroom) tower above this stunning rooftop park and Stockport’s contemporary transport hub – with views spanning across the town.
A body has sadly been found near Barton Swing Bridge in the search for a man who went missing from Eccles last week, police say.
Andrew Heys, from Eccles, was last captured on Ring Cam walking along Barton Lane in the direction of Barton Road at 3.43am on Tuesday, March 12th.
Andrew had been described as ‘vulnerable’ and requiring regular medication.
The body was recovered from the Barton Bridge area of Salford, following a search of the surrounding areas on Saturday, March 16th.
Although a formal identification is yet to take place, Andrew’s family have been informed of the update and are currently being supported by specialist officers through this distressing time.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is currently being prepared for the coroner.
Detective Inspector Mike Sharples, from GMP Salford, said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Andrew’s family and friends at this time.
“Officers and specialist resources have been working around the clock and through the night to find Andrew since he was first reported missing to us, and I would like to thank members of the public who shared our appeals and assisted with our investigation.
“Our priority now is to make sure we can do everything possible to support the family and get the necessary answers for his loved ones, but I would ask that the family are given privacy during this time.”
Container street food village brand STACK has confirmed its expansion with a brand new opening coming to Wigan.
The group will take over the former Debenhams unit in the town centre’s Grand Arcade.
The proposed development will see the site capable of holding up to 2,000 people and offering a wide range of music and entertainment as well as bars and street food vendors.
Plans will see a new frontage created on Concert Square, with STACK making a welcome addition to the leisure venues at the Grands Arcade – also home to games and activity centre Gamer X – and boosting Wigan’s night time economy.
Announcing the expansion, Neill Winch, STACK Managing Director, said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing STACK to Wigan.
“The Grand Arcade is a stunning location with a rich history, and we believe that STACK will be a perfect fit for its vibrant atmosphere and growing community.
“We are committed to creating a space that not only entertains but also fosters a sense of belonging and community, and we can’t wait to welcome Wigan residents and visitors through our doors.”
STACK first opened in Newcastle in August 2018 and was a huge success attracting over 3 million visitors in its first four years. It currently also operates sites in Seaburn, Sunderland.
STACK is also set to open sites in Manchester, Lincoln, Northampton, Durham, Carlisle, and Bishop Auckland, with two more planned in Newcastle.
The opening date for STACK Wigan will be confirmed once planning permission is secured.