Recovery Roundup #26

Kia ora koutou,

Welcome to issue #26 of Recovery Roundup.

This week we remind members of our community about ongoing support and services available for those affected by July and/or February flooding events. If you or someone you know is struggling to recover from the flooding events, there are a number of agencies and support organisations that are here to help. We’ve also included a guide to help households to be prepared in the event of flooding.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Did you miss last weeks update? Catch up on all the news here.

Make a household plan with your whānau to get through a flooding emergency situation. Think about the things you need every day and work out what you would do if you didn’t have them.

This Get Ready  guide provides an overview of how to ensure that you are prepared in the case of flooding around your home in an extreme weather event.

business support

Floods have affected many business owners and their staff. The Buller Flood Recovery website is a good source of information and resources from a range of agencies. See the Economic page of this website for more information.

You can apply for business support at: https://bullerrecovery.org.nz/business-recovery-registration/

ENHANCED TASKFORCE GREEN

The Government has activated Enhanced Taskforce Green (ETFG) in response to flooding in the Buller and southern Tasman districts.

ETGF is managed by the Ministry for Social Development and Employment.

The funding is available so that local councils or other authorised agencies can hire job seekers to help with the clean-up. This funding will help farmers complete clean-up work on their properties, including clearing debris.

Read more… 

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

If you’re feeling distressed or worried about how you’re feeling physically or emotionally, reach out to friends or whānau and contact your GP or other healthcare provider for advice. You can also contact the organisations below for help or to find extra support:

It’s important to seek help if you’re feeling distressed

• Need to talk? (Free call or text 1737)
• Lifeline (0800 543 354)
• The Depression Helpline (0800 111 757)
• Healthline (0800 611 611)
• 0800 Whats up 
• Samaritans (0800 726 666)
• Youthline (0800 376 633, free text 234)

NEED TO TALK? 1737

Need to talk? 1737 is a free four-digit phone and text number designed to meet the needs of anyone who wants to talk to a counsellor. 1737 is not tied to a specific mental health issue or condition. It is free to call or text from any landline or mobile phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained mental health professionals are available to respond to calls, texts, webchat and emails. Call or text 1737 any time for 24/7 helpline

LIFELINE (INCLUDES SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE TAUTOKO AND KIDSLINE)

Lifeline’s mission is to reduce distress and save lives by providing safe, accessible, effective and non-judgemental services. The service works specifically to increase awareness and understanding of suicide prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand, resourcing people with effective skills to support others.

0800 LIFELINE (0800 54 33 54) or free text HELP (4357) 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 82 88 65) KIDSLINE 0800 54 37 54

NAVIGATORS – COMMUNITY CONNECTORS

As with any disaster, we need as much help as we can get to repair the physical damage caused, but also the emotional and social impacts resulting from the flood.

Independent Community Navigators can work alongside individuals and families to help them access immediate and longer term assistance from different agencies. This can include connecting flood affected people to services of different agencies to address needs including family, financial, housing and emotional well-being.

If you need support to find accommodation, help with insurance, access to financial support, or are struggling to cope, visit The Community Hub.

175 Palmerston Street, Westport
floodrecoveryteam@bdc.govt.nz