Worrying about the attack in Southport

If you're worried or you've been affected by the news after the attack in Southport, we're here to support you.

Content warning: This page mentions assaults with weapons.

Coping with the news

Hearing about the knife attack on the dance class in Southport can have a big effect on you.

You might feel worried about it, upset about what you've heard, or angry that it could have happened.

Whatever you're feeling, it's important to get some support. We’ve got advice to help:

  • Talk about what’s happened
    Speak to adults you trust about how you’re feeling, any worries you might have, and what you can do if you’re scared. Remember that you can talk to us about anything.
  • Take a break
    If you find yourself spending lots of time reading or watching news about the attack, try to take time away to do something else.
  • Focus on reliable news
    Lots of news and videos may report what’s happened in a way that’ll leave you feeling confused or scared. Focus on looking at sources you trust.
  • Get support with your feelings
    It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, angry or upset by what’s happened. If you’re struggling with how you feel, it can help to express it safely. We’ve got activities to help, or you could speak to one of our counsellors.

Help if you've been personally affected

Nobody should ever have to go through a tragedy like this. Whatever's happened, you can speak to a counsellor at Childline confidentially any time.

It’s natural to have all kinds of feelings or to struggle with what’s happened. It might be hard to cope with the thoughts you're having, of feel like you can’t sleep or do things you normally would.

It’s okay to talk about what’s happened, how you’re feeling and anything else that’s on your mind. You could speak to an adult you trust, or to one of our counsellors.

Helping someone else

If you’re helping a friend or someone you care about after what happened, it can feel hard to know what to do.