Ready Together“We’ve had an incredible response from young people since the Bee The Difference survey launched in August. It’s offered many a chance to make their voices heard and make what they’ve been through mean something. We are so grateful for everyone who has spared a few minutes to fill in the survey. It closes in a week, on 17th October, so there is still time for young survivors to take part and create change.”
Bee The Difference: Last chance for young Manchester Arena survivors to have their say
News and blogsThe Bee The Difference survey, by and for young Manchester Arena attack survivors closes on Monday 17 October 2022
Bee The Difference survey closes on 17 October 2022
A landmark survey by and for young Manchester Arena attack survivors closes on 17 October. The Bee The Difference research project is open to all children and young people who were affected in any way by the attack and who were under 18 at the time. It aims to improve outcomes for future young survivors of terror, including their mental health support.
On World Mental Health Day, the project’s researchers are raising awareness of the upcoming closing date and the difference that young people’s participation could make.
Dr Cath Hill, lead researcher and Lecturer in Social Work at Lancaster University said:
Mhairi Sharp, CEO of the National Emergencies Trust, said: “There are already lessons within the early findings that we can learn from. For example, ensuring young people affected by terror are able to access long-term mental health support because many don’t realise they need this until later on. This is an insight that will influence the way we fund and also enable healthcare providers, schools and others to offer the best possible support.”
Last month, the young survivors who designed Bee The Difference were invited by the UN to its Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism to raise awareness of their unique research, which is a collaboration between nine young Manchester survivors, Lancaster University and UK disaster response charity, National Emergencies Trust.
Alicia Taylor, who was just 13 years old when she attended the Ariana Grande concert with her mother, spoke at the Congress about the need to better support children and young affected by terror events.
Ms Taylor, 19, said: “I felt unvalidated and unworthy of recognition and support in the aftermath of the attack, and this is the last thing a child needs after experiencing an act of terrorism. Bee The Difference is about listening to young survivors of the Manchester Arena attack and using this within future disaster planning. We are advocating for a wholistic support system without disparities so that no other child in the future will feel the invalidation that I once felt and many others did.”
Anonymised findings from the Bee The Difference project will be shared next year with organisations who can help to create better outcomes for young survivors: from government, to healthcare and education providers, to other civic and charitable bodies.
Visit our Bee The Difference page to find out more and to take part in the survey.
