Hope has been a rare commodity for Leanne Lucas since she was involved in the tragic Southport stabbings during a dance class. Despite her injuries and the loss of three young girls, she has found solace in meeting with a group that truly understands her pain. Eight survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing are now using their own trauma to support teachers who were affected by the Southport incident.
Leanne, a 37-year-old yoga teacher, expressed her admiration for the progress made by the Manchester survivors, stating that their resilience gives her hope. Recognizing the importance of a support network for survivors, she emphasized the need to provide similar assistance to those who have faced traumatic events.
Natasha Sandland, a teacher who tragically lost a student in the Southport attack, highlighted the invaluable insights gained from the Manchester survivors, who have firsthand experience dealing with such tragedies.
The collaboration between the National Emergencies Trust and Lancaster University has led to workshops where Manchester survivors share their knowledge with teachers in Sefton. Dr. Cath Hill, a Manchester survivor leading the initiative, stressed the importance of providing tools and hope to those affected by such events, emphasizing the resilience of young individuals in moving forward from trauma.
The workshops aim to equip teachers with better strategies to support students and prevent similar incidents in the future. Survivors shared their struggles with inadequate support and the need for more attentive care, especially for quieter children who may be silently suffering.
Alicia Taylor, a survivor of the Ariana Grande concert attack, underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting all affected individuals, even those who may not show physical signs of trauma. She emphasized the misconceptions around quieter children and the necessity for schools to provide appropriate care and understanding.
The project, supported by Ikea and the Department for Education, seeks to create a blueprint for supporting children in crisis situations. Dr. Hill envisions a collaborative effort to share knowledge and improve future initiatives to aid young people facing similar challenges.
Natasha Sandland, now leading Sefton’s Virtual School, introduced a fact file passport system for affected children to ensure consistent support across schools. The ultimate goal is to expand the workshops to reach more areas impacted by traumatic events and establish a framework for future support programs.
The dedication and strength of the survivors from Manchester and Southport have inspired a collective effort to provide better care and support for children in crisis situations. By sharing experiences and knowledge, they aim to create a sustainable support system for future generations.