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Support available following the tragic death of Tomasz Oleszak

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

Following the tragic death of 14-year-old Tomasz Oleszak, Gateshead Council, school leaders and Northumbria Police have been working together to offer bereavement and safeguarding support across its communities.

Tomasz, from Gateshead, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning following a suspected attack in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate.

A 14-year-old male was arrested in connection with his death and has now been charged with murder.

The tragic death of Tomasz, a popular Year 10 pupil from Cardinal Hume, Gateshead, has left his family, school friends and wider community deeply saddened.

Since the news of his death, Gateshead Council's Education Department has been working closely with specialist officers from the Force's neighbourhood and safeguarding teams.

Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said:  "To lose such a kind and caring young life is truly devastating for our entire Gateshead community.

"Several schools are being provided with specialist support from our education service and educational psychologists, as well as our safeguarding teams, to ensure that witnesses to the incident and friends of Tomasz receive the support they need.

"We would encourage anyone who feels they would benefit from additional support to reach out. The heart-breaking loss will be hugely distressing for many young people across the borough, but especially for those who are now adjusting to life without their beloved friend or family member.

"Working with schools and the police, we want to reassure students and parents that help is available. Such a loss can hit us all in different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve - which is why specialist bereavement guidance can be so important in helping us to process our emotions. If you feel you may benefit, don't be afraid to ask your teacher or an officer about the support available."

Area Commander for Gateshead, Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, said: "Tomasz's death has caused a ripple effect of grief throughout the wider Gateshead community.

"A popular student and skilled footballer, Tomasz had many friends from different schools across the area.

"We know the tragic nature of his death has had a profound effect on many, in particular our region's young people and we want to reassure parents and pupils that we are working very closely with Gateshead Council and local schools to ensure that young people feel supported and safe."

For mental health and wellbeing support and resources, visit Mental health and wellbeing - Gateshead Council.

SUPPORT AVAILABLE
07 October 2022

Following the tragic death of 14-year-old Tomasz Oleszak, Gateshead Council, school leaders and Northumbria Police have been working together to offer bereavement and safeguarding support across its communities.

Tomasz, from Gateshead, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning following a suspected attack in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate.

A 14-year-old male was arrested in connection with his death and has now been charged with murder.

The tragic death of Tomasz, a popular Year 10 pupil from Cardinal Hume, Gateshead, has left his family, school friends and wider community deeply saddened.

Since the news of his death, Gateshead Council's Education Department has been working closely with specialist officers from the Force's neighbourhood and safeguarding teams.

Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said:  "To lose such a kind and caring young life is truly devastating for our entire Gateshead community.

"Several schools are being provided with specialist support from our education service and educational psychologists, as well as our safeguarding teams, to ensure that witnesses to the incident and friends of Tomasz receive the support they need.

"We would encourage anyone who feels they would benefit from additional support to reach out. The heart-breaking loss will be hugely distressing for many young people across the borough, but especially for those who are now adjusting to life without their beloved friend or family member.

"Working with schools and the police, we want to reassure students and parents that help is available. Such a loss can hit us all in different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve - which is why specialist bereavement guidance can be so important in helping us to process our emotions. If you feel you may benefit, don't be afraid to ask your teacher or an officer about the support available."

Area Commander for Gateshead, Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, said: "Tomasz's death has caused a ripple effect of grief throughout the wider Gateshead community.

"A popular student and skilled footballer, Tomasz had many friends from different schools across the area.

"We know the tragic nature of his death has had a profound effect on many, in particular our region's young people and we want to reassure parents and pupils that we are working very closely with Gateshead Council and local schools to ensure that young people feel supported and safe."

For mental health and wellbeing support and resources, visit Mental health and wellbeing - Gateshead Council.

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