Compassion UK

Processing what happened

Last updated: 10:12am, 5th September 2026

If you were at Big Church Festival last weekend, we want you to know that we are thinking of you.

What happened was a tragedy, and we know that many of you – whether you witnessed the incident directly, gave support or were simply present on site – may be finding these days difficult. That is completely understandable.

A community of faith
From the perspective of supporting one another, we know that for many of you, Big Church is more than a festival – it is a community of faith. Many come with others from their church or wider faith community. We would encourage you to lean into that community, and into your local church, in the days ahead. You do not have to process this alone.

Please be kind to yourself
It is normal to feel disbelief, anger, shock, sadness, anxiety, or distress in the aftermath of a traumatic event. You may even experience some physical symptoms – changes in appetite, sleep patterns, fatigue, etc. These are normal reactions to an abnormal event – they are not a sign that something is wrong with you. For most people these feelings ease with time, but for some, additional support can make a real difference.

The most important thing is to be kind to yourself as you process events. That can look like many things, including:

  • Getting outside. Fresh air and gentle movement – even a short walk – can help regulate your nervous system and lift your mood. You don’t need to go far.
  • Staying connected. Reach out to someone you trust – a friend, family member, or someone from your church community. Talking helps, even if you don’t have the words for what you’re feeling. If you are supporting each other, you do not have answers, just listening to each other and being a presence is healing in itself.
  • Resting without guilt. Your body and mind may be exhausted in ways you don’t fully recognise. Sleep and allow yourself to slow down.
  • Limiting news and social media. Repeated exposure to coverage of a traumatic event can make it harder to recover – for adults and especially for children. Give yourself, and your family, permission to step away.
  • Eating and drinking well. Simple things matter. Try to eat regularly and stay hydrated, even if your appetite feels off.
  • Doing something familiar. Routine and ordinary pleasures – a cup of tea, a favourite film, time in the garden – can be quietly restorative.
  • Praying, or sitting in stillness. For many in our community, faith is a source of real comfort and strength. Lament is a biblical tradition – you are allowed to bring exactly how you feel to God.

Immediate support
If you are struggling right now, please reach out:

  • NHS 111 (mental health option) – if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 111 from any phone to be connected directly to local mental health services.
  • Premier Lifeline – Confidential Christian Helpline. 0300 111 0101. Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.  Their team know what happened at the festival and are ready to help – https://www.premierlifeline.org.uk/bigchurch
  • Samaritans – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 116 123 (free, from any phone)
  • Shout – free, confidential text support. Text SHOUT to 85258

Supporting children
Children process traumatic events differently, and often take their cues from the adults around them – so looking after yourself is part of looking after them. These trusted organisations offer guidance on how to help a child in the days and weeks after a traumatic event:

If things don’t ease
For most people, distress fades over the first few weeks. If your symptoms persist beyond 2 to 4 weeks, please don’t wait it out alone:

  • In England, you can self-refer for free, evidence-based psychological treatment through NHS Talking Therapies. You don’t need a diagnosis or a GP referral – you’ll just need the name of your GP surgery to find your local service.
  • In Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, make an appointment with your GP, who is the primary route to local specialist trauma and psychiatric care.
  • If you’re under 18, ask your GP about children and young people’s mental health services, or speak to a trusted adult about how you’re feeling.

Targeted support
We have also been able to put in place specialist support for those who witnessed what happened, were there in the immediate aftermath and/or provided care to those affected. If you were part of that group and we have not reached out to you, please email us at [email protected] explaining briefly how you were involved, and we will direct you to the service.