A survivor of the Fishmongers’ Hall terror attack in London has helped create a new mental health resource that anyone can use online.
Today is World Mental Health Day (Friday 10 October). This year’s theme is ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies’. It highlights the need for support to be provided both during and after serious incidents.
‘Aftermath lasts a lifetime’
Lisa Ghiggini was working at a prisoner rehabilitation event near London Bridge in November 2019 when 2 people were killed in a terrorist attack. She witnessed the violence and said the impact has lasted years.
Lisa has teamed up with West London NHS Trust, which runs mental health services in the borough. Together, they have developed a new digital toolkit for people affected by traumatic events such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters or bereavement.
She said: “I had a painful knot in my stomach because my whole life was shattered. Living with the aftermath lasts a lifetime and can be very isolating.”
The toolkit includes:
- a confidential online self-assessment tool to help you identify symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD or substance misuse
- links to NHS treatment and support
- advice for coping with anniversaries, inquests and bereaved children
Turning trauma into something positive
Lisa said: “When I looked online, the information felt quite surface level. These resources are much more detailed and resonant.”
Dr Idit Albert, consultant clinical psychologist at West London NHS Trust, said: “We’ve worked with survivors, emergency services and community groups to make sure psychological recovery is part of the overall response.”
Councillor Polly Knewstub, the council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said: “It’s powerful to see Lisa turn her trauma into something that helps others. I want to thank West London NHS Trust for supporting this work and encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.”
The toolkit
You can find the toolkit on the West London NHS Trust website.
Other support
If you live in the borough and need help with common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, stress or sleep problems, you can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies.
Therapy is available face-to-face, by phone or online.
Crisis support
• West London NHS Trust – Single Point of Access: 0800 328 4444 (open 24 hours)
• Ealing Safe Space – run by HFEH Mind at the Lido Centre: open daily 2pm to 10pm – 020 7471 0583
• Samaritans: 116 123 (open 24 hours)
