Prepare yourself for Bonfire Night

Published on: Thursday 2 November 2023

This weekend will see Guy Fawkes Day [Sunday 5 November] and there may be fireworks and bonfires on display during the lead up to the day and over the weekend.

This is a day that not everyone will want to participate in and for some, the sights and sounds may cause people to relive frightening feelings and memories, triggering their bodies’ fight or flight response, causing increased heart rate and heightened awareness.

It is important to be prepared for these feelings.

Learning from conversations we have had with people who have been affected in this way is that people should be aware of any local events going on in their area and decide on what they want to do. Some may want to participate, others may not and decide to take themselves away from the situation.

If you experience feelings like these please remember:

Although panic attacks are frightening, they’re not dangerous. An attack won’t cause you any physical harm and it’s unlikely that you’ll be admitted to hospital if it happens.

·        Stay where you are, if possible

·        Breathe slowly and deeply

·        Remind yourself that the attack will pass

·        Focus on positive, peaceful and relaxing images

·        Remember it isn’t life threatening.

If you find it particularly difficult, please get in touch with the Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service. We can help.

You can:

Call CNWL direct on 020 863 76279 every day from 8am to 8pm

Refer yourself to CNWL service on CNWL's website www.grenfellwellbeing.com

Speak to your NHS therapist (if you are seeing or have seen someone)

If you are struggling to cope and need to talk to someone urgently call Overnight (after 8pm) please call the CNWL Urgent Advice Line on 0800 0234650


Other non-NHS support available

SHOUT – Anyone going through a crisis and needing support can text Shout to 85258

Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7 confidential support)

CALM – If you are struggling and need to talk, call 0800 585858 (5pm to midnight every day) or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you can try the CALM Webchat service

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