New support hub launches for victims and survivors of terrorism

Anyone can visit the support hub at Support Hub for Victims of Terrorism or otherwise contact the free Helpline on 08 08 16 89 111.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: “For too long, victims and survivors of terrorism have had to navigate complicated and fragmented support services. I’m pleased to say that situation ends with the launch of our new support hub.

It offers a simpler and more joined-up approach for those rebuilding their lives after an attack, providing a single point of contact for timely emotional and practical support, dedicated case workers and personalised support plans.”

Victim Support is working with The Peace Collective and the West London NHS Trust to bring together leading expertise into one co-ordinated service. Together, they will combine clinical expertise and practical assistance to deliver a co-ordinated service tailored to the needs of victims and survivors, duly bringing dedicated caseworkers, personalised support and specialist provision for children and young people together into one place.

Devastating impact 

Katie Kempen, CEO at Victim Support, explained: “The horror of experiencing a terror attack is far-reaching and can have a devastating impact on victims, survivors and their families. The road to recovery can be a long and complicated one. Being able to access the right help at the right time can make a huge difference.”   

Kempen continued: “We’re proud to be working in partnership to deliver specialist trauma-informed support services – including immediate emotional reassurance, practical help, specialist psychological support and longer-term recovery assistance – for anyone who needs it.”

Delivering on a central Government commitment, the new support hub will operate 24-7 and assign each victim and survivor a single point of contact for tailored and trauma-informed support.

As stated, victims and survivors can access the support hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is available quickly and simply when it’s needed. Dedicated case workers will co-ordinate services and build personalised support plans, with specially trained case workers involved to work with children and young people.

Where needed, the hub will also provide specialist mental health assessments and psychological support via the National Psychology Service for Victims and Survivors of Terror at the West London NHS Trust.

Profound trauma

Cheryl Stollery, wife of the late John Stollery, explained: “Since surviving the Sousse, Tunisia terrorist attack on 26 June 2015, in which my husband John was killed, I have lived with the profound trauma, grief and challenges it brought to my family. Learning to survive such an attack is beyond belief. The aftermath is different for everyone and often too complex to manage alone, notably so where incidents occur overseas.”

Stollery continued: “Since 2015, I’ve campaigned for improved and centralised support and championed the survivor voice. I welcome the new victim and survivors support hub, which will provide tailored support, clear guidance and renewed hope for those affected.”

Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said: “Following a terrorist attack, one of the hardest challenges for many victims is navigating how to access support. From medical care to compensation and the legal system, there’s no clear structure and victims are passed from pillar to post, while their condition worsens and society moves on.”

Frain also stated: “Terrorism seeks to shatter our confidence in the Government’s ability to keep us safe. If we don’t properly support those affected, we risk doing the terrorists’ job for them. The support hub is an important step forward. We stand ready to support and, where required, scrutinise its work.”

William Roberts, victims and survivors service manager for The Peace Collective, noted: “We are very proud to be part of this new partnership with Victim Support and the West London NHS Trust. We know that people will need different kinds of support at different points in their lives and often many years after their experience. The support hub is an important step forward in making support more co-ordinated, accessible and responsive to those changing needs over time.”

Strong track record

West London NHS Trust CEO Maria O’Brien said: “It’s vital that victims and survivors of terrorist attacks receive the support they need. The launch of this pioneering support hub makes that a reality.”  

O’Brien affirmed: “The West London NHS Trust has a strong track record of providing specialist mental health support to those managing the long-term impact of a terrorist attack and other major incidents in London. We’re proud to realise this expertise nationally so that more people are afforded the help they deserve.”

Tom Clementi, CEO of Pool Re, commented: “We know only too well that terrorism has devastating consequences, affecting not only the victims, but also disrupting and undermining confidence within the wider community and across the UK.”

Clementi added: “As a country, we must be prepared should there be an incident. That means being primed to support those impacted in its aftermath. Pool Re is proud to be part of this launch. The new hub will provide crucial care for those who need it most.”

The launch of the support hub comes just over two months out from the nation coming together on 21 August to mark the UK’s very first national day for the victims and survivors of terrorism. The day will honour those whose lives have been tragically cut short as a result of terrorism and recognise those whose lives have been forever changed. It will provide an opportunity for remembrance, reflection and a moment of solidarity across the country.

Victims, survivors and all members of the public are encouraged to observe the national day in a way which is meaningful to them. This may be in their homes, with loved ones or together in their local communities.

Hybrid inaugural event

The Home Office will host a hybrid inaugural event to mark the first national day. The event will be an intimate commemoration, bringing together a small cross‑section of the victim and survivor community alongside Government representatives.

Invitations are being issued for the event in central London, with a livestream of the commemoration available to anyone wishing to participate. Further details will be shared in due course.

Delivery of the new support hub and the national day for victims and survivors of terrorism follows campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition and the Government’s stated commitment to improve support available to them, ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need in order to rebuild their lives.