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Asker

To Sam

What can I do about the Manchester bombing?

Dear sam, recently an attack has happened in Manchester and it's my city. I wasn't there but many of my friends were. I just don't know how to feel and I am really upset about it. I feel like if I tell anyone that I am they might think I'm trying to make it all about me. I know I wasn't there and I know people were killed and injured, mentally as well as physically. I want to go to my city and I want to give my respect because I really care about those people and I want us all to come together as a city. I know that many people are and I just want to but Im not sure my mum will take me and if she did I'm not sure how to ask. I want to show my respect some how without just posting things on social media. I don't know why I feel like such a big part of this and it's affected me a lot. I really don't want to seem like I don't care and I wanted to go down to Manchester as soon as I heard about it. I am scared im really scared and sad and angry about it all. I mean I know terrorist attacks have happened before but I never knew how it felt until it was so close to home. I hope you can get back to me and give suggestions on what I can do to help me and my friends and how I can show my respect thanks x #PrayForManchester

Ask Sam

Sam

Hi there,

It's natural to want to help when we see people suffering. It's difficult to know what to do when it feels out of our control and too big to imagine making a difference. The truth is that anyone can help make that difference and there are lots of ways you can express yourself and your feelings - you just need to find the right way for you.

When something tragic happens, such as a terrorist attack or another event where lots of people have died, many people want to show how they feel. We've got lots of advice to help you speak to your mum about how you can do this and show your respect. You may also find writing down your feelings in a journal, blog or diary helps - it can be something you do in private or something you share with others. It's okay to feel however you feel about this.You don't have to have been there or live in Manchester to be affected by what's happened.

If you want to do more, you could try fundraising for the various charities that are helping the victims and their families. But be sure to check with your parents or carers to make sure that the charity you're fundraising for is a respectable one and how they money you raise will be used.

You can also make sure you talk to people yourself and let your own feelings out. Our counsellors are here for anyone who wants to talk about what happened in Manchester - or anything else.

Thanks for your letter, take care.

Sam

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