A new Support Hub has launched delivering tailored, trauma-informed care for victims and survivors of terrorism.
Victims and survivors of terrorism will receive around the clock support to help them navigate recovery through a dedicated Support Hub, which opens today.
The hub will provide specialist, trauma-informed support for anyone affected by a terrorist incident, ensuring victims can access the help they need at any stage of their recovery.
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “For too long, victims and survivors of terrorism have had to navigate complicated and fragmented support services. I am pleased to say that ends today with the launch of our new Support Hub.
“It will offer a simpler, 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 caseworkers and personalised support plans.”
Delivered in partnership, Victim Support will work with the Peace Collective and West London NHS Trust to bring together leading expertise into one coordinated service.
Together, they will combine clinical expertise and practical assistance to deliver a coordinated service tailored to the needs of victims and survivors – bringing dedicated caseworkers, personalised support and specialist provision for children and young people together into one place.
Maria O’Brien, West London NHS Trust Chief Executive, said: “It’s vital that victims and survivors of terrorist attacks get the support they need and the launch of this pioneering Support Hub makes that a reality.
“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, and we’re proud to bring this expertise nationally so that more people get the help they deserve.”
Dr Idit Albert, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at West London Trust, said: “The main aim of the Support Hub is to make it easier for victims and survivors to understand what support is available after an attack and how to access it.
“From previous terrorist incidents, we know that the psychological impact can be under recognised, long-lasting, and that recovery is not linear, with needs often changing over time. The value of this service is the partnership of several organisations to ensure the service users can have timely access evidence-based psychological care alongside joined-up practical and social support in one place.”
Delivering on a government commitment, the new Support Hub will operate 24/7 and will assign each victim and survivor a single point of contact for tailored, trauma-informed support. Victims and survivors can access the Support Hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is available quickly and simply when it is needed.
Dedicated caseworkers will coordinate services and build personalised support plans, with specially trained caseworkers 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 West London NHS Trust.
The launch of the Support Hub comes just over 2 months out from the nation coming together on 21 August to mark the UK’s very first national day for 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.
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. The delivery of the new Support Hub and national day for victims and survivors of terrorism follows campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition and the government’s commitment to improve support available to them – ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
