Bonfire Night celebrations could cause Grenfell victims trauma

The fire in Grenfell Tower on June 14, 2017
Nigel Howard
Alexandra Richards4 November 2017

Bonfire Night celebrations could bring back symptoms of trauma in victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, officials have warned.

All schools in the Kensington and Chelsea area received a written warning from the Council that the annual festivities posed an “emotional risk” for those involved in the tragedy.

The concern was that the sight of open fire and fireworks around the time of November 5 would reawaken memories of the inferno and cause trauma to the children and families who were caught in up in the fire.

The borough's bonfire celebration will take place on November 5 at the Roof Gardens, only yards away from where many survivors are staying in hotels.

The families are being pre warned about the firework show which will take place at 11.45 pm and extra support staff will be on hand at the event.

Roaming teams will be sent out to prevent any unregulated fires from upsetting those who witnessed the fire at Grenfell.

Emma Will of Kensington and Chelsea Council said: "Traumatic memories can be revived by many sensations - a sight, a smell, a noise. These can trigger a response that takes a person back to the most traumatic of times.

"We want to make sure that, if that happens, people have the support available. We are working with NHS, Hestia and our incredible schools and teachers to makes sure that happens."

The Council will be enlisting the help of mental health workers from the NHS and nearby Hestia charity to provide support in the area across the weekend.

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