Wellington, Monday 13 September 2010.

Sallies reinforced by specialist counsellors from Australia

Ten Salvation Army counsellors with community trauma and rural expertise arrive at Christchurch Airport this afternoon to reinforce local counsellors and provide additional emotional support to Canterbury earthquake victims.

Members of the group helped Australian townships after the devastating 2009 bushfires. Some have been part of a Salvation Army initiative to combat depression and support suicide prevention in rural Australia.

Federated Farmers of New Zealand has asked The Salvation Army to provide counselling for farmers, many of whom may be feeling distressed after the Canterbury quake. For those also hit by the collapse of South Canterbury Finance, this is a second crisis in close succession.

Several of the Salvation Army personnel are part of The Salvation Army’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Others have worked with the rural fire service.

Salvation Army spokesman Major Robbie Ross says, “The Australian culture is similar to our own – this is an important consideration in accessing additional trauma support after domestic emergencies.

“Many people in Canterbury need someone to talk at the moment. A counsellor can help them process feelings about what they have been through and gain perspective on any fears they may hold about the future. The Salvation Army is able to provide this assistance and link people to other support services or agencies as required.”

Twelve counsellors from Salvation Army addiction centres have been on duty in Christchurch over the past week. The Salvation Army expects its number of counsellors to rise to 35, with staff rotated weekly to avoid burnout.

• The Australian counsellors are scheduled to arrive on two Monday afternoon flights. Six from Sydney at 2:20 pm (Flight EK 418), and four from Melbourne at 5:25 pm (Flight NZ196).

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