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We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by Adam Johnson's death on 28 October 2023. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, members of the hockey teams and their fans at this difficult time.

Many of the thousands of fans attending the Utilita Arena on Saturday, for the Sheffield Steelers game against the Nottingham Panthers, may be feeling distressed by what they saw or heard, during what was a terrible incident.

Information and advice for people affected by the tragic event at the weekend has been developed by the NHS across the South Yorkshire region and is available for people of all ages affected.

It is important to realise that it is perfectly normal if you feel distressed or have had an emotional reaction. Everyone reacts differently. In these early days it’s important to nurture yourself, talk about it if you want to, engage with normal life and focus on other things.

Parents, you need to look after yourself so that you can be available to support your children. Please be aware of communications across social media or within peer groups which may not be helpful.

The leaflet below provides information on how you may expect to feel in the days and months ahead, and to help you understand and have more control over your experience.

Coping with stress following a major incident - nhs_trauma_leaflet.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Support in the coming days and weeks:

Sheffield Talking Therapies is hosting a number of dedicated psychology sessions on Thursday 2 November, 7pm – 8pm and Friday 2 November 10am – 10:45am for anyone who has been affected.  These free NHS sessions are an opportunity to learn techniques to help you look after yourself after witnessing a traumatic event. No need to register, just turn up.

You can join the meetings here:

Thursday 2 November Click here to join the meeting

Friday  3 November session: Click here to join the meeting

Further dates will be posted on social media/ website

Seven tips on how to help your child discuss and understand upsetting news is available through this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zqkfb7h

If further support is required after four weeks:

Most people will naturally recover from this experience within a few weeks however if you are still experiencing difficulties after three to four weeks, you may wish to seek help or support. Locally there are many resources for people seeking help and support after a traumatic incident. These include:

For adults

In Sheffield:

Sheffield Support Hub offers free mental health support in a welcoming, comfortable, non-judgmental, and non-clinical environment. https://www.sheffieldmentalhealth.co.uk/services/sheffield-support-hub

In Doncaster, Rotherham and North Lincolnshire:

Mental Health and Talking Therapies Services for those over the age of 18 - Doncaster call – 03000 211556            Rotherham call – 03000 215108 North Lincolnshire – 03000 216165

You can also self-refer online at https://talkingtherapies.rdash.nhs.uk/ and in Doncaster: https://www.donnydot.co.uk/

In Barnsley: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/adult-social-care/help-with-your-mental-health/ 

Across South Yorkshire, HOPE provides free and unlimited support to people bereaved or affected by traumatic events www.hope-sy.co.uk

For children

Specific services for young people: if you think that your child doesn’t adjust, please seek advice from you General Practitioner (GP) as there are specialist services for Children and Young people available from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).