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Kia Kaha
Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the most wonderful countries in the world, and we're blessed to call it home. However, as we are all too aware, it can be a turbulent and unpredictable land. The recent earthquakes of 2011, 2013 and now 2016 have reminded us of the powerful fault lines that run up and down the country, and whilst they can be a source of fear, worry and pain, we have seen the church rise up to share God's love and grace in these times. Whilst we know that 'perfect love casts out fear' we sometimes need the tools and words to help comfort and encourage our kids and families in difficult times. There are some great resources and organisations who have put together some important resources, and we have listed some below. |
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
Psalm 46:1-2 |
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Resources for difficult times
Tips for coping after an earthquake A short list of things to do that can make you and others feel better under exceptional circumstances, from Mental Health Foundation (2016) The Worry Bug Anxiety can impact children and families in many ways. This project seeks to recognise and address mild to moderate anxiety in homes and classrooms. Take care of your children but don't forget yourself Mental Health Foundation (2016) Tips and clues for parents to look for, to gauge how their child is reacting to stress and worry. Helping Kids Cope with Disaster and Trauma Information on Nigel Latta's GoldfishWisdom website. He also has a video talk called Safe and Sound (see right) World Went Wonky A project developed after the Canterbury earthquakes of 2011. Includes a free eBook called 'When Super Billy's World Went Wonky' When the quakes go on and on Skylight (2012) strategies for self-care when the after-shocks keep coming and nothing is certain. Supporting your Children/Teen after a stressful or traumatic event An article from Skylight looking at how to support your child when they have witnessed or been caught up in distressing situations. When trauma and grief come to work A practical handbook from Skylight (2011) for organisations, employers and managers to support staff, clients and customers after the Canterbury earthquakes. Coping with stress and anxiety Guidance for emergency response workers, health staff and volunteers on how to cope with stress and anxiety in an emergency situation, from Ministry of Health (2011) All Right? A campaign to help Cantabrians talk to their friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues about whether they’re really ok in the wake of the earthquakes. There's also a specific page for parents. Earthquake stress information in different languages Common responses to an earthquake, coping mechanisms and reactions from children, from Canterbury DHB (2011) Wellbeing for parents Supporting children through change in response to school change in Christchurch following the earthquakes, from Shaping Education (2013) Skylight have some fabulous resources to help support families going through bereavement, stress, family breakdown, suicide and depression. They also run a youth resilience programme called Travellers, operating in 150 schools in New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Other notes: |
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