Keeping calm and safe – supporting each other after a challenging incident This can be as simple as a cup of tea and a chat, through to a formal process. There are no rules to this – it will depend on the situation, the team and the individual as to what is right for them. One size does not fit all. There are some key steps that can be taken to help the team regain calm and support each other effectively: •
Ensure that everyone is safe and has basic needs attended to (e.g. physical, emotional, information, practical).
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Acknowledge what has happened and that it was significant and unexpected. It is common to find yourself thinking about what has happened and feeling any of a wide range of feelings in the coming hours, days, weeks. This can feel distressing but is to be expected in response to an unusual event.
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When events like this occur, team support is really important, and it is valuable to check-in and look out for each other more often than usual.
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Each person will experience the next few days/weeks differently – there is no right way or wrong way to feel or think. For some, the feelings might be quite mild and pass quickly, for others thoughts and feelings maybe stronger and more frequent.
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Mobilise existing supports and be aware of support options available through work. There is no time limit on when support might be helpful or needed. It might be in a day, a week or a month.
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Double down on routines as much as possible. Everyday routines and familiar activities can help to restore a sense of security and stability.
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Check-in with each other over the coming days/weeks.
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Sometimes, extra support can be helpful. Reaching out for formal debriefing or counselling support can help teams and individuals make sense of what has happened. For some, the impact of the event can challenge personal resilience, and some specific counselling support can be helpful. (E.g. call 1737 or 0800 Heroes)