Relationship Services Whakawhanaungatanga (RSW) is offering crisis support for people around the country following this week’s Christchurch earthquake, a national disaster.

“Christchurch people are leaving the city to stay with relatives and friends elsewhere. If they need to talk to someone they can contact their nearest RSW office for free crisis support, Chief Executive, Jeff Sanders says.

The service is also available for people who don’t live in Christchurch but are anxious following the earthquake.

“Most of us have been touched by the situation in Christchurch. Many of us have friends, family, or colleagues in Christchurch that we are concerned about.”

For those in Christchurch, the enormity of the situation in their city will be starting to impact on them.

“As people get over the initial wave of adrenalin and the challenge of physically surviving the earthquake, they are now coming to terms with the extent of the loss they face - the loss of loved ones, of friends, the loss of the familiar city they knew.”

There is also the fear and uncertainty created by the frequent aftershocks, he says.

“They are facing new survival challenges as they seek adequate water, food and shelter for themselves and their families and friends.

The free Government funded crisis service includes telephone support for Christchurch people as well as face to face support at our offices outside of Christchurch. RSW has 35 offices serving 70 centres nationwide.

The telephone support can be reached through either

• our Christchurch number (03) 366 8804
• 0800 RELATE number – 0800 735 283
• or our national office number (04) 472 8798.

To find your nearest RSW office call 0800 RELATE number – 0800 735 283 or visit our website, www.relate.org.nz

For more information on how to deal with your feelings following the earthquake go to: www.relate.org.nz

ENDS

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