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3 July 2006
7th July Assistance Centre To Provide Round-The-Clock Support Through 1st Bombings Anniversary
The 7th July Assistance Centre helpline will be open 24 hours a day throughout the first anniversary of the bombings in London, offering help, support or practical advice to anyone affected by last year's events.
From 10am Wednesday 5 July through to 8pm Monday 10 July, the helpline will be available to provide round the clock support for the bereaved, survivors and members of the general public who feel unusual levels of anxiety relating to the bombings.
The helpline is manned by trained and supervised volunteers who are experts in dealing sensitively with people who need help.
Paulo Pimentel, Director of the 7th July Assistance Centre, said:
"The anniversary is going to be an incredibly difficult time for many people – particularly for the families of victims and for survivors, whether or not they were physically injured. The 7th July Assistance Centre is here to help and we are already dealing with a much higher level of calls as we approach the 7th of July.
"People will need extra support during this difficult time, which is why we've extended our helpline to provide a round-the-clock service. There are many survivors who have never contacted us, who may need our help. Whether it's a practical matter or something more emotional, we want people to know that we can provide advice, reassurance or support, whatever time it is, throughout the anniversary period."
The helpline number is 0845 054 7444. In addition to a helpline, the centre offers one-to-one counselling, complementary therapy and group support as well as general advice and information.
Notes to Editors
• Print/broadcast media: logos for the 7th July Assistance Centre, including the helpline number and the Centre's website, are available from DCMS press office. Call: 020 7211 6264.
• Online media: downloadable internet banners which link through to the 7 July Assistance Centre's website are available at: http://www.7julyassistance.org.uk/7th_july_assistance/support_7th_july_assistance.asp?access=1&language=eng
• The 7th July Assistance Centre and helpline were set up on the 9th July 2005 for all those affected by the London bombings. The centre acts as a one-stop shop for information, assistance and support for the bereaved, survivors and the general public. The helpline number is 0845 054 7444.
• The centre is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and monitored by Westminster City Council.
• The NHS Trauma Response (London Bombings) Screening Team is available to treat those who are or may be suffering traumatic stress disorder as a result of the July bombings. To contact the team call 020 7530 3687, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6264
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751 153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200
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