Following the tragic events witnessed in Manchester on Monday 22 May 2017, our thoughts are with the individuals and communities, affected by this terrible incident.

In times of adversity, our communities have shown that they will stand side by side to send a collective message of tolerance and unity. 

There will be many young people across Scotland and the UK who have now seen on social media and on the news, images we would all hope they would never see in person and which may have caused many to feel particularly vulnerable.

This is a time to ensure we talk to our children, at home, at school and when we hear them talking among their friends. We would ask you to reach out through your networks to support children to make sense of what is happening, encourage our young people to ask questions, to talk to people and to reach out for support.

There are resources, which may help support our young people in coming to terms with the impact of yesterday’s tragic events.

• Young Scot –providing guidance and advice to young people feeling worried or concerned about events currently happening around the world http://young.scot/current-events

• Children 1^st – Parentline - 08000 28 22 33   www.children1st.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-help/parentline-scotland/

• NSPCC – Talking about difficult topics www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/talking-about-difficult-topics/

• Childline – Worried about the World www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/worries-about-the-world/?utm_source=twitter_nspcc&utm_medium=nspccsocialmedia&utm_campaign=owntwitter_tweet

Finally, if you have any concerns or information about suspicious activity please contact the Police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or in an emergency dial 999.