Southend council offer free support after Chalkwell Park death
Southend council have teamed up with the organisation, City Family to offer free, age-appropriate support
It's been a week since a seven year old girl was killed from a tree collapsing in Chalkwell Park, Southend-on-Sea and the council are encouraging those impacted to reach out for support.
The family support service, Southend City Family, are offering free, age-appropriate support for those who want it.
Councillor Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, has called the incident on 28 June an "unimaginably difficult" and "heart-breaking" incident.
The seven-year-old girl who died has been named as Leonna Ruka by her family.
Another six year old girl remains in a critical condition, Essex police confirms.
Hundreds of cards, flowers, and teddy bears have been left at the park as the city continues to grieve.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “We recognise the significant impact of Saturday's tragic incident on those who rushed to help at the scene and showed the very best of Southend.
"The quick actions and efforts of those involved made a real difference in an unimaginably difficult moment.
"We also recognise that the incident has had a much wider-reaching affect on the community and that some people will be struggling to come to terms with it.
"We have already been sign-posting the available health guidance from NHS England and will continue to share these to the wider public in the local community who have also been affected by the events from the weekend.
"In addition, we know that many parents and carers may be struggling to process what has happened, or finding it difficult to talk to their children, especially if they are feeling upset or have questions.
"If anyone needs someone to talk to, we have liaised with Southend's City Family and their Navigators are available to listen and offer age-appropriate support.
You can also contact City Family by phone on 01702 844118 or WhatsApp on 07507 242398.
Additionally, South East and Central Essex MIND is also available for support.