May Newsletter

This update provides a digest of:

• BSR attendance at limited attendance hearings
• Disclosure figures
• Core Participant figures
• Support arrangements during limited attendance hearings
• Contact information

BSR attendance at limited attendance hearings

The Inquiry resumed hearing evidence at Bishop’s Bridge Road on 19 April on a limited attendance basis. From the 17 May, the Inquiry was able to begin inviting a number of bereaved, survivors and resident core participants (BSRs) to attend to watch the proceedings in person at the venue. The Inquiry has so far been able to accommodate all those who have asked to attend and will keep arrangements under review as the Government publishes further guidance about the position on 21 June.

Please click here for further information.

Disclosure figures

As at 25 May 2021, the Inquiry has disclosed 20,752 documents in Phase 1 and 243,285 in Phase 2, making a total of 264,037.

Core Participant figures

The full list of the Inquiry's core participants (CPs) is available on the key documents page. Further information on CPs is covered in our guide, which includes details of the role they play in the Inquiry and how this differs from being a witness.

The total number of CPs is 642.

Support arrangements during limited attendance hearings

During limited attendance hearings the Inquiry continues to facilitate wellbeing support as before, but is able to deliver the service only by telephone and video conferencing. BSRs and members of the public will be able to get in touch with Hestia direct to access wellbeing services by contacting 0800 246 5617 between 09:45 and 16:45 Monday to Thursday.

Hestia will provide a range of services including:

• One-to-one telephone or online support sessions that BSRs will be able to book with a counsellor during the day or at the end of the day’s hearings. Please contact Hestia on 0800 246 5617.
• Drop-in video conference group sessions (twice daily) where BSRs can join a counsellor in a peer support group to support one another and to air and talk through any feelings or concerns. These sessions will start and finish with some resilience exercises, for example paced breathing, grounding and mindfulness exercises and taught resilience tools. For more information and instructions for joining a group session please contact Hestia on 0800 246 5617.

Counselling support services continue to be available for anyone who wants to talk about their emotional wellbeing. The NHS Grenfell Outreach Team is open Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 20:00, and on Friday from 08:00 to 17:00. Their number is 0208 637 6279. More information, including out of hours contact numbers, can be found on the NHS website.

The Inquiry will continue to arrange interpreters on request for BSRs. This service will be delivered by telephone.

Contact information

In line with social restrictions, the majority of Inquiry team members are working remotely to ensure operations continue but can still be contacted on 0800 121 4282 or by emailing contact@grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk.