‘The children have lost everything’

Team leader for charity Action for Children, Maria Coker, 48, has been working with Grenfell survivors. She says, “Even the most hardened worker couldn’t prepare for what happened. It’s incredibly emotional working with children and their families after a tragedy of this scale. Just hearing a smoke alarm or a fire engine can trigger shock for them.

“Children thrive on routine, and their whole lives have been turned upside down. They have lost everything – from friends to their favourite toy. Some suffer from terrible nightmares and can’t sleep, while others may have behavioural problems. Some have even regressed and started bedwetting.

“We offer counselling, therapies, safe spaces to play, and respite away from London. It’s vital they get as much help as possible as otherwise, the effects may last forever. They might suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem and self-isolation as they may worry about forging friendships again in case they lose them, too.

“But it’s not all bleak – some families are closer than ever. One couple had split up, but got back together when the man realised how he nearly lost his wife and children. The resilience of these families can be astounding, too.”