Anglicare WA is offering individuals and families living in drought affected areas free telephone counselling to combat the frustration, grief and despair associated with disaster-related stress.
 

The telephone counselling service provides additional relief to residents living in areas that are eligible for the State Government’s Dry Season Assistance Scheme.

Ian Carter, Chief Executive Officer of Anglicare WA stated that disaster-related stress can become chronic, particularly when the disaster is prolonged, such as the drought.

“Feelings of depression and despair are common in people who experience prolonged stress and are human reactions to an overwhelming crisis,” Mr Carter said.

“Offering a free and confidential telephone service enables residents to share their experiences with a qualified counsellor who understands the wide range of problems associated with disaster-related stress.”

The telephone counselling service can be booked for up to an hour and has been put in place to allow people from rural and remote areas to access the service. For those people requiring more than one session to work through their issues, Anglicare can offer the same counsellor for each session.

Some of the problems which the counsellors can assist with include relationship difficulties, depression, problems in the workplace, family conflict and addictions and all counselling services are fully confidential.

The service can be accessed by using the Freecall number 1800 812 511 where a customer representative can answer any enquires and arrange an appointment. Appointments are available both during office hours and in the evening.

“The telephone counselling sessions are completely free for people living in drought-affected areas and I would like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia in making this service possible,” Mr Carter said.

Further information about the Dry Seasons Assistance Scheme can be found at www.agric.wa.gov.au

Ends

30th March 2007

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