Workshops are being run Christchurch in April and May to assist individuals and organisations to cope with the longer term mental health consequences of the earthquakes.
The Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC) and the University of Canterbury (UC) have developed workshops (funded by the Ministry of Social Development – Family and Community Services) which aim to assist individuals and communities to manage the challenges associated with the Canterbury Earthquakes. These interactive, skill-based learning opportunities enable participants to develop skills to promote their own and others wellbeing.
Experience shows that recovery from earthquakes takes many years. These workshops, drawing on local and international knowledge, are designed to help individuals, organisations and communities to develop in ways that allow healthy remembering of the past while also embracing the future and its possibilities. The workshops are organised around the principles that both ongoing stress and positive well-being are related to how we experience and deal with loss. Our changing situation also brings prospects, potential and growth.
The workshops for community support workers and volunteers are being presented by Alison Ogier-Price in the Tui Room at 21 Birmingham Drive on April 10, April 22, May 9 or May 29. The free workshops run all day, starting at 9am and lunch is provided.
When similar workshops were held in 2012 participants gained a fresh perspective and their responses to stress were validated. The workshops acknowledge the challenges faced by organisations and offer self-care strategies to deal with ongoing effects.

To register or find out more information about these workshops or separate ones planned for managers visit www.mherc.org.nz
