Last updated at 11:09, Saturday, 05 June 2010

Families of those affected by Cumbria’s shooting massacre have been urged to visit a website offering advice from people who have been bereaved due to gun crime.

A website led by Oxford University contains interviews from 40 people whose friends and relatives have died in traumatic circumstances, including those who were shot.

Dr Ann McPherson, head of the research group, said: “The experiences of all 40, several years after the events, may support those involved in Cumbria.

“These interviewees show that, while the tragedy never leaves someone, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The interviewees explain how they coped in the initial aftermath of the deaths, how they found dealing with officials such as the police, and how their life is now.

Dr McPherson, a GP who also lectures at the university, said: “When people are going through a traumatic experience, it can really help to hear the story of someone else who has been through something similar.”

“Often, it’s difficult to hear things from people who haven’t been through it, saying things like ’You’ll get over it’.

The site is here

First published at 08:56, Saturday, 05 June 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk