Living life in fear’ says Kiwi league star after terror attack
yesterday, American singer Ariana Grande announced she would return to the city, to play a benefit concert to support victims. ‘‘I’ll be returning to the incredibly brave city of Manchester to spend time with my fans,’’ she said.
Many of the 22 deaths and 116 injuries were to children and teenagers; now New Zealand trauma experts say the survivors will suffer some of the same impacts as those children who suffer ongoing natural disasters like the Canterbury earthquakes.
Clinical psychologist Maureen Mooney was awarded her PhD this week for studies into 42 children and teens after the 2010/2011 earthquakes. She also worked for the International Red Cross offering psychological support to Iraqi refugees, to ambulance crews in Israel, and to HIV-positive children in Cambodia and the Congo.
‘‘It wasn’t an easy situation for the children and young people in Christchurch. Manchester will not be an easy situation – it will take time and will be distressing, but those skills will be built over time if they get the right support.’’
In her research, Mooney concluded that children in Christchurch were more resilient than other children, faced with the usual challenges of growing up.
Solomona, who plays for the English Premiership side Sale Sharks – based just 10km from the site of the attack – was at home in bed when this week’s terror attack hit the news.
Initially, his heart sank. Then he and his wife Jess Impiazzi leapt into action, posting an open-home invitation on social media. ‘‘We just did what thousands of people did that day.’’ They had enormous response from young people wanting to talk. ‘‘The impact of this is massive – thousands of people will rethink going to events,’’ Solomona said.
‘‘I’ve grown up in a world that’s been troubled for a while – but there’s no point living life in fear. You’ve got to make the most of it. Love and compassion will end this, not fear and hate.’’
Love and compassion will end this, not fear and hate.’ DENNY SOLOMONA, LEFT
Still on edge Britain braces for more violence