Bee The Difference: It’s time for young Manchester Arena Attack survivors to have their say

By Manchester Arena survivor, Lucy Jarvis

I’m working with eight other young survivors of the Manchester Arena attack on Bee The Difference which has launched this week. It’s an online survey for anyone affected by the attack, and under 18 at the time. It’s a chance to share your experience of the support you’ve had since to make sure that all children affected by terror in the future get the very best care.

I really hope young people take part in it. Those who were injured. Those whose mental health has been affected. Those who have lost people they loved. By sharing their stories anonymously they can help us to start a conversation that is long overdue.

I was 17 and in the wrong place at the wrong time when a terrorist targeting young people like me detonated a bomb at the Manchester Arena. I had 30 shrapnel wounds that needed surgery. Then later I had intense physio to learn to stand.

My physical injuries and the time I spent in hospital meant I received money from the We Love Manchester fund for my physical recovery. Later I was gifted money by the Inquiry, which has paid for my private mental health care.

So many of my mates at the Arena that night were not offered this sort of help. They went through the same awful experience. But because they walked away without physical injuries, no-one helped with the invisible scars they had.

Being part of the Manchester Survivors Choir I’ve learned a lot about the support others have received since the attack. I can see so many ways society could do better by young survivors of terror.

But at the moment it doesn’t seem like anyone is listening. It’s been five years since the bombing and nobody has asked us about the help we’ve received. It’s pretty shocking.

The Bee The Difference survey is open to all young people who were affected by the Manchester Arena attack and aged under 18 at the time. To find out more and take part, visit our Bee The Difference page.