Psychosocial Workshops Bring Calm To Canterbury Children And Parents

Sunday 12 September 2010 - Thousands of Canterbury students, pre-schoolers, teachers and parents are to be offered workshop sessions in psychosocial counselling as schools reopen their doors this week for the first time since the earthquake.

The joint initiative, set up by Save the Children New Zealand and TelstraClear, has the backing of the Ministry of Education as a way of helping children come to terms with the events of the past week and provide parents and teachers with tools and resources to support them.

“Run by trained facilitators who are specialists in emergency and trauma response our workshops will provide children, parents and teachers with simple messages, advice and resources for creating safe, positive and supportive environments for the children of Canterbury,” says Liz Gibbs, CEO of Save the Children New Zealand.

Save the Children New Zealand estimates up to 19,000 students and teachers from 150 schools and early childhood centres could benefit from the project.

“The range of resources will be continually improved upon and added to as children are invited to present their own ideas and perspectives,” says Liz Gibbs.

Allan Freeth, TelstraClear CEO and chairman of Save the Children New Zealand says: “Our aim is to help children and adults build on their natural resiliency and give them confidence in the wake of last week’s events. The workshops are also an opportunity for teachers and carers to seek advice and identify signs that more specialised help may be necessary for some children.”

Save the Children is also training Barnardos staff to provide support workshops through its network of childcare services, including residential care centres.

Specialised psychosocial support workshops are part of the work Save the Children provides globally to help children and their carers in the aftermath of an emergency.

The workshops will be available to schools and early childhood centres across Canterbury from Tuesday 14 September 2010. Schools should call 0800 167 168 to arrange visits.

ENDS

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