Arena survivors’ recovery stories told in animation
NEW VIDEO AIMS TO HELP OTHERS UNDERSTAND TRAUMA AND HOW TO GET HELP
YOUNG people who were at Manchester Arena on the night of the bombing have spoken of their personal experiences and how they coped with the trauma to create a powerful new educational film.
Together they sat down to bravely discuss their stories – and share how they began to recover.
The resulting short film, which uses their recorded voices, has been produced for schools, colleges and universities across Greater Manchester and beyond to help and support others dealing with the same emotions they went through.
Titled ‘Journey of Recovery,’ the moving testimonies touch on grief, anxiety, specialist health support, counselling and mental health.
The group of 16, schoolchildren and students at the time of the attack, came together in August last year to talk as honestly and openly as they could.
Natalie, her real name, was asked what her motivation for taking part was. “To help others who are struggling with trauma or any mental health issues,” she said. “To show them that though things don’t feel like they will get better, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
“I want people to know things do get better along the way and there is support there to help. I hope people get a better understanding of trauma, and how to try and help others that need it.
“I hope that all our stories can inspire others who are struggling to get the help they need or just opening up to their loved ones.”
The project – overseen by health professionals at every stage and commissioned by the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund – is also directed at health care professionals and educators as well as youngsters themselves.
Many who were caught up in the blast faced challenges when they returned to the classroom or lecture theatre.
“I want people to watch this animation and recognise the signs that professionals may need to look out for when a young person may find it hard to identify the signs themselves, or when they’re in denial, like I was at first,” said another who took part. James Torry, creative director of the animation’s producers Doodledo Motion, praised those who took part for their bravery.
He said: “What you hear in 10 minutes comes from over six hours of conversation with 16 people whose stories are so rich, honest and compelling we could have centred the story around any one of them. Our hope is these stories will help us all better support those recovering from trauma.”
The film can be watched at www. thejourneyofrecovery.co.uk.