Using the basic premises from psychosocial support research following disasters (Framework for Psychosocial Support in Emergencies, 2016, NZ Ministry of Health), a provincial Rural Support Trust (RST) have developed simple yet effective practical interventions to support their flood affected communities. Their goals are: community resiliency and connectivity, maintaining mental wellbeing and effective on farm recovery,

When responding in the early stages after an emergency, practical, pragmatic support is recommended. This is less likely to be a psychological treatment in the early stages; but more psychosocial in nature. Key elements include connecting people to their normal support channels and addressing their basic needs such as food, housing, finances. In the case of farms, this also includes accessing and containing stock.

Utlising these principles and earlier learnings from smaller adverse events, The Wairarapa RST team formed their acute and recovery response to Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. They firstly, proactively looked for ways to reconnect their communities and direct them to other channels of support. Secondly they sought to mitigate or solve their everyday problems in order to reduce the impact of secondary stressors.

They were front facing in the field very early in the response providing opportunities to access those more vulnerable and advocate for needs with other key emergency response services. Having established trust and relationships with affected communities, team members with clinical skills were involved in physically delivering practical interventions. This allowed for monitoring and intervention of psychological needs, especially to those those less likely to normally access traditional services.

To date feedback from the rural communities impacted and those in the wider region about the support that has been received, has been overwhelmingly positive.

Further learnings and adaptation of targeted psychosocial interventions to support rural communities will be crucial given the increased prevalence of adverse events.