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This
information gives you contact details for the whole of Great
Britain and not just the Manchester area.
What happens to people affected by a disaster?
Some Do's and Don'ts:
 Do
express your emotions and let children share the upset
Do
take every opportunity to reflect on the experience
and be
with people
Do
allow yourself to be part of a group who care
Do
take time to sleep and rest
Do
express your needs clearly and honestly
Do
try to keep life as normal as possible Do let children
talk about
their emotions and express themselves
in games
/ drawings
 Don't
bottle up feelings
Don't
avoid talking about what happened Don't expect
the memories
to go away. The feelings will stay with
you for
a long time
Don't
forget- children experience the same
Don't
keep children away from school, let them
continue
with activities if they wish
It can be a relief to receive other peoples' physical and
emotional support. Sharing with others who have had a similar
experience can help. In order to deal with feelings, you may
find it necessary at times to be alone, or just with family
and close friends.
1. During the Event
For many, time seems to stand still. Suddenness disrupts the
process of decision making, yet quick decisions may have to
be made e.g. 'fight or flight'.
2: lmmediately after the Event
Relatives and survivors are:
 Shocked
Stunned
Numb
Confused
Disbelieved
3. Later
Relatives and survivors are overwhelmed by grief, anger, nightmares,
daytime recall of events, feelings of going mad, loss of mastery
and control.
4. Later still, Euphoria
Feelings that may be experienced: optimism, community spirit,
or an unreal sense of well being.
Who needs help after a disaster?
1. Direct victims or survivors.
2. Family members and close friends of direct victims.
3. The near-miss population.
The emotional phases of grief:
DENIAL
shock, disbelief, numbness, sense of unreality.
PAIN / ANGER
hurt, distress, guilt, searching, pining, feelings of worthlessness.
REALISATION
depression, apathy, fantasy.
ACCEPTANCE
readiness to engage in new activities and relationships.
Death is always difficult for those left behind, but never
more so when it is unexpected. The voluntary organisations
listed, understand the feelings you will experience. You may
simply need to talk about the immediate future and practical
requirements. You may need to discuss your emotions. Very
often the shock leaves you so numb that you do not feel any
initial emotions. This is a perfectly normal body defence
mechanism which may help you cope. Perhaps you have feelings
of guilt or anger at being unable to prevent the tragedy,
or being unable to say goodbye. The sudden loss of someone
close to you is one of the most demanding and distressing
situations that you will ever face. You may need to share
the way you feel.
Manchester City Council
Emergency Planning External Agencies Group consists of:
Manchester City Council:
Emergency Planning Section.
Social Services Department.
British Red Cross.
Greater Manchester Police.
Jewish Federation.
Manchester Airport plc.
Manchester Area Bereavement Forum.
Salvation Army.
St. John Ambulance.
Women's Royal Voluntary Society.
All of the above agencies are there to help you cope effectively.
Other support agencies:
CRUSE - Bereavement Line
0845 7585 565
FIRST ASIAN SUPPORT TRUST
0161 740 3399
LESBIAN & GAY BEREAVEMENT HELPLINE
020 7403 5969
MANCHESTER AREA BEREAVEMENT FORUM
0161 371 8860
ROAD PEACE
020 8964 1021
SAMARITANS
0845 7909 090
VICTIM SUPPORT
0161 839 6098
Remember:
What you have seen and heard may have a great effect upon
you now and in the future. Although you may not have been
physically injured, coming to terms with a disaster can be
extremely difficult. Each persons' experience of, feelings
about a disaster are unique. Some people may experience problems
and others may not. There is nothing wrong with knowing that
you need help and trying to find it.
Compiled by Manchester Area Bereavement Forum for Manchester
City Council Emergency Planning External Agencies Group.
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