Mental illness survivors support vulnerable in Christchurch

2 March 2011

Mind and Body Consultants is staffed by talented professionals all of whom have personal experience of mental illness. Following last Tuesday’s disaster, they’re flying in teams from Auckland to support people in Christchurch suffering the double trauma of mental illness and the consequences of the earthquake.

Operations Manager, Rodger Jack, said, “Our concern was for both our staff and our clients in Christchurch. Our clients are a vulnerable population group who have to respond to the daily challenges of mental distress and now have to cope with the trauma and shock of this crisis. Some had been alone through the tragedy for up to four days living with their internal and external traumas.”

Business Services Manager, Laura Ashton, said, “Staff trauma as well as damage to the Christchurch office briefly interrupted our Christchurch services last week. However, from Wednesday we were able to provide phone support to clients from our head office in Auckland. On Friday we flew in a team from Auckland who volunteered to support both the staff and clients. These staff have been able to provide immediate emotional and practical support to those affected by the disaster”

Rodger Jack says it’s the small things that are making the difference: “In our visits we have found that many people are fearful of leaving their houses and often lack basic supplies such as water, bread and milk. We’re ensuring our clients have the necessary medication supplies, but also, and perhaps more importantly, a visit from someone to remind them they are not alone or forgotten in their distress”.

Mind and Body, whose Christchurch office sustained only non-structural damage, are also helping out their colleagues at the Mental Health Foundation, whose offices were seriously damaged, by offering shared space to help them continue their work.

ENDS

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