Looking after yourself and others in Knowle West

Helping Yourself and Others

Following the very tragic deaths of Mason Rist and Max Dixon. We wish to send love and support to the grieving families and friends of Mason and Max, as well as to the whole community, impacted in so many ways by this traumatic situation. 

People are coming together to navigate the difficult aftermath of a such shocking loss. This page is intended to hold useful information.

WHERE CAN I TALK TO SOMEONE OR GET SUPPORT LOCALLY?

St. Barnabas Church on Daventry Road – speak with Clive or one of his team.

The Park on Daventry Road – speak with Joy or Emma (on the reception desk)

Monday / Tuesday / Thursday / Friday – 9am to 4pm

Eagle House – speak with Margaret or Anita

Monday – 12noon to 2pm / Friday – 12noon to 2pm – women only

Boing, Inns Court Children and Family Centre

Daily weekdays. Café is open 10am to 4pm.

GRIEF AND TRAUMA

Grief and trauma is hard to navigate. We will experience sadness, anger and we will want to do something to help or make a difference. There is no time-line for grief and trauma and feeling can surface weeks and months after an event.

What can we all do to help?

Many people feel scared. We are safer and stronger when we are united.

  • Be kind to yourself and others
  • If you are struggling reach out
  • Make time for a chat with friends, neighbours and colleagues
  • Don’t carry knives – they do not keep you safe
  • Be careful on social media – rumours make things worse
  • Build positive connections across communities
  • Initial help and connecting to other support

INFORMATION ON HOW YOUR BODY AND MIND MAY REACT AFTER EXPERIENCING A CRITICAL INCIDENT

At local community centres, GP surgeries and Knowle West Health Park you can pick up an advice leaflet.

GETTING SUPPORT

If you are struggling please contact your GP: General Practitioner (GP) and NHS 111

NHS England now offers 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone number: 111

Find out more here

Therapeutic support

VitaMinds Bristol Mental Health Services – NHS psychological (talking) therapies. Self-referral, no cost service, offering online short courses and 1:1 services

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE – see further information by click here

Childline: – support for any worries online, on the phone, anytime: Call 0800 1111

OTHER SUPPORT

BristolMind – a confidential free-phone helpline, call 0808 808 0330

Andy’s Man Club – Meet on Monday at Knowle West Media Centre. Men’s Group – it’s OK to talk.  

Mental health support in Bristol can be accessed by contacting Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership: 

Adults can call the AWP 24/7 response line: 0800 953 1919 

Children under 18 can call the AWP CAMHS response line: 0800 953 9599 

Information and advice related to mental health and the support available can also be found online: 

Off the Record (CAMHS) https://www.otrbristol.org.uk/ 

Urgent help – when safety is a concern

Samaritans – 24-hour telephone and email support, call 116 123

Give Us a Shout – Mental Health Support text SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 support

Second Step– Mental Health support in Bristol. The Hope Project provides support to men aged 30-64, call 0117 9096630

Bristol Crisis Line 24/7 – call 0300 555 0334

LOCAL YOUTH ORGANISATIONS 

  • Street Space, 43 Filwood Broadway, Bristol, BS4 1JL Street Space Email st***************@gm***.com
  • Local schools, rework, KWMC young people’s team, Learning Partnership West – are all working with their young people to offer care and support. 

Bristol City Council Advice for trauma and mental health 

Christina Gray, Director of Communities and Public Health at Bristol City Council, said: “This tragic incident has left us all with a profound sense of sadness and grief for the two young lives lost under awful circumstances. I, my colleagues and the communities of Bristol have the families of both in our thoughts as we come together to ensure we’re here to support all those affected by this terrible incident.  

“The community response to supporting those affected has been superb, with so much outpouring of love and togetherness. Key members of the communities around Knowle West and South Bristol are already working closely with officers from the city’s statutory agencies and local charities to ensure people have access to the help they need. There is help available to deal with the trauma of this situation and to come to terms with the emotional and mental stress that stems from it. We’re also working with local schools to play their part in being there for their children, young people, parents and carers. 

“As with any traumatic incident, it’s important that people take the time to care for themselves and allow others to support in that healing process. Get rest and sleep. Talk to someone – it could be a friend, a relative – someone you trust. We’re blessed in Bristol to have a strong and supportive local network of professionals who can give you that extra help when needed so please, seek them out.” 

Help is available for anyone, both adults and children, who feel they have been impacted by these events and is experiencing a reaction associated with trauma. Common signs of the impacts of trauma include: 

  • Feeling unable or not having anyone to talk to about what happened. 
  • Poor sleep due to intrusive thoughts or disturbing dreams impacting rest. 
  • Experiencing overwhelming emotions or feeling emotionally numb. 
  • Feeling as if your relationships are suffering since the incident. 

Please contact the sources of support listed above.

TALKING TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 

Advice on talking to small children 0-5  https://www.childbereavementuk.org/explaining-to-a-child-that-someone-has-died

Supporting grieving teenagers: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/blog/supporting-grieving-teenagers 

If your child is struggling with the effects of trauma. Information and advice to help you support them to heal, and to find the right professional help if needed. Young Minds: Trauma a guide for parents and carers

Action for Children: I’m worried about my child and knife crime: I’m worried about my child and knife crime 

POLICE – UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Local updates from Avon & Somerset Police: Avon and Somerset police your area Filwood

Avon and Somerset Police Facebook page Facebook Avon and Somerset Police 

SHARING INFORMATION 

The police have stated that it is extremely important there should be no comments or sharing of information or images online which could in anyway prejudice future proceedings. The sharing of images, footage, and speculation about the incident and who was involved could have a devastating impact the families of the two boys and may impact the investigation. 

KNIFE BIN

There is a knife bin at The Park. 

Anyone can safely and anonymously dispose of a knife, blade or other weapon. Once deposited in the bin then it will be secure until it is removed by professionals. The bin has been specifically designed to offer maximum safety. 

Blue metal Knife surrender bin outside The Park community centre Knowle West

We will be keeping this page updated and adding more information.

REPORTING INFORMATION 

If you have any information about the incident, or indeed any wider situations – YOU can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224023382. 

You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form: Crimestoppers Give Information