William: Manchester Arena survivors an ‘inspiration’

PRINCE William will today praise nine “incredible” survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing, after they highlighted failings in mental health support.

Their report, on the sixth anniversary of the tragedy, shows almost a third of children and young people affected by the deadly attack have had no professional help.

Three-quarters were psychologically injured, according to the figures. But 29 per cent have never received any proper support in the six years since.And four in 10 of those say it was never offered to them.

Some 22 people were killed, and hundreds hurt, when suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up in the foyer of the Arena at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017.The Bee the Difference report, launched today, is a research project designed by nine youngsters who survived.

The group includes Lucy Jarvis, now 22, from Wigan, who was treated in hospital for her injuries, and Libby Martin, 16, from Cheshire, who was just 10 and traumatised by the incident. They worked in collaboration with UK disaster response charity the National Emergencies Trust and researchers at Lancaster University.

Prince William, patron of the Trust, said: “The nine young and incredible minds behind this project, and the many more who have contributed, are an inspiration, turning significant personal challenges into positive change.

“This report makes clear that young people who have experienced the trauma of terrorism have needs unique to their age. “These are minds that need the space to have their voices heard and feelings acknowledged.

“We must listen to their stories now, in order to learn for the future. I look forward to seeing the change it creates.” The Government is expected to finalise the draft of a Survivors’ Charter soon, guaranteeing key rights for survivors of terror attacks and a timeline for mental health support.