Wairarapa Recovery Office (WRO) is coordinating and funding a series of Psychological First Aid (PFA) courses that will be available to workplaces, marae and community organisations that support individuals and whānau following natural disasters and traumatic events.

The courses aim to provide additional skills and confidence for people working in the community during the initial response and follow on recovery activities to assist them in their role.

The courses will be run by Red Cross and held in locations across the region on a monthly basis over the coming year.

WRO Programme Manager Simon Taylor said the courses are designed for anyone working with people and communities following an emergency or distressing event.

“Psychological First Aid is the mental and emotional equivalent of medical First Aid.

“PFA training courses equip people to provide emotional and practical support to individuals and whānau who have experienced a large-scale disaster or a personal traumatic incident.”

The first course will be held in Masterton on Tuesday 30 July.

Register online for a course or contact Wairarapa Recovery Office for more information and to see if you are eligible to attend.