Response.
The support mechanisms for people affected by terrorism within the UK, or British citizens involved in attacks overseas, are currently very fractured and often the level or quality of support received can sadly be entirely dependent upon a postcode lottery based on two aspects; where the attack occured, and where the victim resides.
Listed below are some of the charities seeking to attempt to bridge the gaps, as well as peer-to-peer support groups that have been founded by terror victims in order to assist others affected, and groups campaigning for improvements to be made.
If you are worried that someone you know may be being radicalised, call the National Police Prevent advice line in confidence: 0800 011 3764
If you believe you have heard or seen something suspicious that could help identify a terrorist threat anywhere in the UK, , call the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321.
if you suspect an immediate danger, whether it’s suspicious behaviour, a package or a vehicle, move away and call 999 now.
One World Strong Foundation
The One World Strong Foundation is an international NGO based in Boston that seeks to create and foster a worldwide peer-to-peer community of people affected by terrorism, hate, or trauma. They do this through on-site visits and intervention in the days following an incident and subsequent follow-up support visits in order to build a sense of global citizenship, and provide guidance from those who have already experienced a similar event. They also co-administrate digital resources for victims such as the Yammer platform, a secure invite-only, social network where victims can meet others affected from around the world.
Survivors Assistance Network
The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation runs a Survivors Assistance Network service. They provide free and confidential practical and emotional support to individuals and families affected by a terrorist incident, and caseworkers can meet in person or online with victims to help assist with legal and medical interventions and guidance.
Survivors Against Terror
SAT is a pressure group and network of survivors of terror attacks and those who have been bereaved, formed to tackle terrorism and reduce its impact on society by campaigning for improvements to support for victims. Terrorism can, and sadly does, affect any and all of us, so it is absolutely imperative to all of us that we ensure the deserved right level of support and protections are in place. They are currently campaigning on six key strands: a Survivors’ Charter outlining key rights to support for victims of terrorism; compensation; mental health; media intrusion & responsible reporting; public & societal response; and, Martyn’s Law
Victim Support
Victim Support uses trained volunteers and employees to offer free and confidential practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses of any and all crimes. They also run a free 24/7 telephone helpline offering confidential support and advice to anyone affected by crime in England and Wales: 08 08 16 89 111
Strength to Strength
Strength to Strength aims to bring victims of terrorism together globally in order to share their experiences with people who have experienced similar incidents in other countries and move forward with their lives despite the trauma they have been through. Few understand how a single terror attack can affect so many families on such a deep level physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually, and hence the organisation have adopted the motto ‘survivors healing survivors’, recognizing that all members are responsible for one other and those impacted by terrorism deserve no less than our very best.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care is a charity that provides free support and bereavement counselling to people suffering from grief. They have been provided with government funding to provide specialist bereavement support for victims who would not otherwise be eligible through the existing homicide service, such as witnesses and first responders.