Victims of flood get stress help

Sep 29 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

FAMILIES who have been forced out of their homes by the devastating flooding which hit Morpeth are being offered specialist counselling to help them cope with the trauma and stress.

Mental health charity Contact – based in the Northumberland market town – says it will provide support for those finding it hard to cope.

Contact counsellors and volunteers are prepared to put in extra hours to help ease the stress many people are said to be experiencing after more than 1,000 homes in the town were hit by the severe flooding three weeks ago.

Hundreds of people have been left temporarily homeless and the mental health organisation has now joined the large number of local voluntary groups and agencies who are co-ordinating a massive relief effort.

Yesterday Contact co-ordinator Cynthia Livesey, who lives in Morpeth, said flood victims were gradually being hit by the enormity of their situation, and needed help in dealing with it.

She said: When things like this flooding happen adrenaline initially drives those affected to get things done, but after that reality starts to set in and they realise they will have to be away from their homes for six to nine months.

“That is when it really comes home to them, especially for people who are on low incomes or who were not insured.

“Here at Contact we can provide comfort and support to everyone who is going through the stress and anxiety of dealing with the aftermath of the flood. There is no charge for this service and people can be certain of a warm welcome.”

Contact counsellors and staff are available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 4pm, but are prepared to work outside those hours during the current crisis. Anyone needing help can get in touch with the organisation by calling (01670) 515582, emailing contact@contactmorpeth.org.uk or visiting its offices at 36 Bridge Street, Morpeth.

Meanwhile, Red Cross volunteers continue to visit flood victims to find out what they need. Furniture is being collected and distributed to those who need it and Morpeth restaurateur Kevin Liu has stepped in to help. He is making his Mulan Cantonese restaurant available for two special After the Flood fundraising banquets on Mondays November 3 and 10, tickets for which will be available soon.

The Morpeth Lions’ flood appeal now stands at £69,000 with further substantial amounts promised.