London Terrorist Incidents: Helping the friends & families of those who were involved in the attacks

In 2017, London suffered four terrorist incidents which stopped us in our tracks. 18 months on, the city has recovered, but what are we doing for those individuals whose lives have changed as a result?

The NHS Psychological Trauma Outreach, Screen and Support Service for London Terrorist Incidents is a team dedicated to helping find support for individuals directly affected by the terrorist incidents in London last year and their close family and friends.

Of those affected, who have currently completed our brief screening questionnaire, we know that there are individuals who are unable to control or stop worrying, and some who are at risk of losing their current employment. We know that some individuals have thoughts of harming themselves or that they would be better off dead, and that some are struggling to care for themselves or their dependents.

However, we know that at present, 10% of those individuals were not involved in the incident themselves, but had a close friend or family member who was killed or injured in the attacks. This category of individuals is often overlooked in aftermath of the incident.

I have spent the last year working with victims of these tragedies and have come to realise that sometimes those who are most affected are the individuals who were not directly involved but whose lives were also turned upside down consequently.

It may be someone who’s partner sustained a life-long disability, or children who are unable to stop feeling anxious when their parents drop them at school. Parents grieving but having to remain strong for their children. Marriages in crisis as children misbehave in a bid to get additional support. Nearby business owners who have taken a financial loss.

The many conversations that I had taught me that these individuals could benefit from family and individual support. When they explain the feelings of guilt, and shame they have over needing support when they didn’t go through the incident themselves, I provide the reassurance they need to remind themselves that whilst they may not have been there, they too were affected.

Like the oxygen mask on a plane, if they aren’t feeling well, it can feel impossible to give their loved one the care and support they may require.

During these conversations, they will often remind me of the struggles they had been through during the past year and how this has changed the situation for their family and social network. I try to understand what might help and to encourage the individual to come forward for support with one of our specialist psychologists. We can make a referral to a local service for individual treatment and may try to source some support for the children or marriage counselling for the couple. We may help to signpost to other services if necessary, or just provide a safe space where they can grieve for their loved one away from their daily responsibilities.

Mental health can affect everyone and supporting the friends and families of those involved in major incidents is something our team is passionate about.

We want to reach out to more than 10%, because for every individual involved in these tragic incidents there is a friend or family member who may also want or need help. We want to hear your story, and for you to know that we are here for you too.

Contact Us

If you feel that you could benefit from speaking to us please contact us on:

Phone: 0800 090 2371

Email: outreachandscreen@slam.nhs.uk

Website: http://www.slam.nhs.uk/our-services/support-for-people-affected-by-london-terror-attacks

We are here to help.

Meera Morjaria

My name is Meera Morjaria and I am currently an Assistant Psychologist working on the NHS Psychological Trauma Outreach, Screen and Support Service for London Terrorist incidents. I have been in my current post for 10 months and have found growth and development in the role at every stage. Before this I worked as an Assistant Psychologist within in inpatient ward for acute adult mental health and addictions. I aspire to undertake my doctorate in Clinical Psychology and one-day hope to be a qualified psychologist contributing to both the service users I come across and advancements in the field.