Supporting children and young people in the community following a homicide
After losing someone to a tragic homicide, it’s likely that children and young people (CYP) will struggle to cope. This may be a friend, or a significant adult in their lives such as a teacher or religious leader.
Victim Support’s National Homicide Service aims to help reduce the psychological impact of this loss by reducing initial shock and distress, building coping skills and increasing emotional resilience.
What can the National Homicide Service do?
We provide support through:
- Psychological first aid – an intervention directly working with children and young people in a safe community space:
- Helps children and young people understand their emotional response and explores coping strategies
- Age-appropriate sessions delivered by two trained facilitators
- Three weekly sessions, ideally delivered within four weeks following the homicide
- Supporting adults working directly with children and young people:
- Provides skills, advice and information to help these adults support the affected child or young person.
How to get in touch?
Following the homicide of a child, young person, or significant adult in the community, our specialist staff may make contact with your organisation to go through options available to you. You can also email us at HSSupport@victimsupport.org.uk.
Once we have agreed how you want support, our specialist staff will visit your organisation and/or arrange online appointments to be delivered in a way that works for you.
For more help with supporting children and young people following a homicide, download our Psychological First Aid leaflet (PDF).