‘Emotional first aid’ will be available

A SUITE where people can seek ‘emotional first aid’ will be available at Manchester Arena’s reopening show.

Mental health professionals and trauma experts who worked with victims of Northern Ireland’s Troubles will be on stand-by during the We Are Manchester show on Saturday night.

The concert is the first event at the venue since 22 people were murdered in a bomb attack.

To help audience members cope with the emotional toll of the atrocity on May 22, The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace has organised a special facility.

Nick Taylor heads the Warrington charity, which was set up in memory of the boys killed in the 1993 IRA attack.

He said: “In this particular event, because of its sensitivity and the amount of emotion you might expect, we’re providing ‘emotional first aid’. We’re hoping individuals don’t need it, but at least people know if they do there’s going to be a team in place.

“There’s going to be a quiet area where anyone feeling distress will be able to come and get refreshment and support.”

The exact location of the area has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to be one of the Arena’s executive suites.

The team chosen includes clinical professionals, as well as counsellors who have dealt with victims of conflict.