Publish date: 10 October 2025
A survivor of the Fishmongers’ Hall terror incident has told six years on from the attack how living with the aftermath ‘lasts a lifetime and can be very isolating.’
Lisa Ghiggini, 48, has used her experience to work with psychologists at West London NHS Trust to develop resources to help people to manage their mental health in the wake of a major traumatic event, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
She revealed that she “had a really painful knot in my stomach because my whole life was shattered” following the incident in November 2019.
Lisa was working at the event in the Fishmongers’ Hall where Usman Khan fatally killed two people. She recalls him with a weapon in his hand and then she began screaming to draw people’s attention to what Mr Khan was doing.
The resources, developed with Lisa and other survivors of major incidents, provide information and advice on managing reactions during and immediately after a major incident, from supporting bereaved children to identifying emerging mental health difficulties. It encourages people to “check in” with themselves using a confidential self-assessment tool that screens for symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance misuse, and links users to information on NHS treatment. There is also advice on the long-term effects, such as coping with an anniversary and an inquest.
Lisa says that by working with West London experts to develop these resources, others who live through a major incident can better understand their trauma. “When I looked online, there was lots of information, but it felt quite surface level. These resources are much more detailed and resonant.
The resources have been launched today, World Mental Health Day, where this year’s theme is mental health and catastrophes and emergencies.
Studies show that between 30-40% of people who undergo major traumatic injury report serious, long-term psychological disorders such as PTSD or depression, a year or more after the event.
Despite evidence that psychological distress remains for at least three years post-incident, the London Major Trauma Psychology Network revealed that fewer than 10% of affected individuals receive any kind of help in the first year after the incident.
Lisa said: “Living with the aftermath lasts a lifetime that can be very isolating. That’s why these resources are so important, so people can look at them when they feel comfortable.”
Dr Idit Albert, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at West London NHS Trust and Clinical Lead for the Pan London Major Trauma Psychology Network, London Violence Reduction Programme, NHS England, said: “Sadly, major incidents are a part of life in a big, global city like ours. Our emergency services and hospitals are always ready to respond, but over the past few years, we’ve also recognised the importance of helping people recover psychologically from these traumatic events.
“We’ve worked closely with NHS teams, emergency services, local councils, and community and faith groups to make sure that psychological recovery is part of the overall response. The website we’ve developed, with invaluable help from survivors from the Survivors Against Terror network, brings together practical, trustworthy information that people can turn to during a crisis, in the days and weeks after, and as they begin to rebuild.”
The resource comes as part of the London Major Trauma Psychology Network's mission to support trauma survivors to understand what has happened to them and to rebuild their lives. It is designed to help Londoners feel informed, supported, and back in control.
Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director of Public Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities for London, said: “A major traumatic injury can have a huge impact on individuals and their wider communities, physically and emotionally. We are privileged to have a robust NHS emergency preparedness, resilience and response system in London that plans for and responds to a wide range of incidents and emergencies that could affect health or patient care.
“Previous work commissioned by NHS London in response to the London Bridge terror attacks brought about an 80-90% reliable improvement in PTSD symptoms, and 55%-60% reliable recovery. Patients also repeatedly confirmed high levels of satisfaction from the psychological active outreach service with requests for this to be offered early.
“I am confident that NHS London and West London NHS Trust’s new resources will have a significant impact on patients, their families, and staff – supporting them through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.”
Survivors of major London incidents and their loved ones can access support and resources here.