This is a Newsletter from the Christchurch Local for its members, but it has relevance/interest for all.
Christchurch Local
Kia Kaha Christchurch Members
Its two weeks on from our Earthquake and on behalf of the Christchurch Local I wish to pass onto all our members our sincerest thoughts and good wishes. This has and will continue to be an incredibly demanding experience for each and every one of us. There was never any doubt that you would perform your duties with the utmost professionalism. However on top of this , you have carried yourself with such dignity and with a courage that others outside of the firefighting fraternity will never understand, I applaud each and every one of you.
Now as the response draws on and fatigue inevitably sets in we must look to each other for support. If, as you get more tired and find yourself getting angry for little reasons at your children, your family, with others, or even if you feel that members of your family are struggling to cope, be aware that there is assistance available in many forms. Also be aware that many of the emotions that you and your family members may be experiencing are in fact completely normal and indeed rational given the circumstances.
In line with this, I urge you all to be eyes on the ground that monitor each other’s wellbeing, We know each other in ways that no one else could, and so if you feel that one of us is having difficulties then be there for them. There is no other team in the world like a team of firefighters and that is what makes us so strong. Now we have to be strong enough to reach out for help for ourselves and our families if needed; from our mates, from Peer support, from our Welfare support. Be justifiably proud of what we have achieved but don’t be too proud not to look for help. There is financial and many other types of assistance available to us and our family members and we need to avail ourselves of this assistance. This disaster is going to be with us for a long time and this Local wants you all to be there at the end to continue being proud and strong for each other. Kia Kaha!
WELFARE AND PEER SUPPORT during office hours phone 3713647
PEER SUPPORT outside of office hours phone Comms Centre
