When floods, storms, or other crises hit Papakura, most of us instinctively check on physical safety first. Yet our minds need care just as urgently. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a simple, evidence-informed way any resident can ease distress, restore a sense of control, and help neighbours recover more quickly. It is not counselling or clinical therapy—you don’t need special qualifications to use it.

What Exactly Is Psychological First Aid?

PFA is a humane, supportive, and practical approach recommended by the World Health Organization. It follows three basic action principles—Look, Listen, Link—to guide helpers in any crisis situation:

• Look: for safety, urgent needs, and people who may be especially vulnerable.
• Listen: with your full attention, allowing people to share (or not share) at their own pace.
• Link: connect them with information, services, loved ones, and ongoing support.

Why These Skills Matter in Papakura

Papakura has already faced major weather events such as the January 2023 floods and the tail of Cyclone Gabrielle. Strengthening our “psychological first-responder” capacity means:

• Faster recovery for whānau, schools, and businesses.
• Less likelihood of long-term mental-health impacts.
• Deeper community bonds across our diverse Māori, Pacific, Pākehā, and migrant populations.
• A feeling of agency during chaotic situations rather than helplessness.

Core PFA Skills You Can Practise Today

Skill	What it looks like in an emergency
1. Create Safety & Comfort	Guide people away from hazards, offer a warm drink, a blanket, or a quiet corner. Explain clearly what you know about the situation and next steps. Be mindful of cultural preferences—for instance, some kaumātua may appreciate karakia or waiata.
2. Listen with Aroha	Give undivided attention, limit questions, allow silence, and avoid rushing people to “cheer up.” Your calm presence often speaks louder than words.
3. Meet Immediate Practical Needs	Help locate medication, charge a phone, or fill out a Civil Defence assistance form. Small tasks restore a sense of control.
4. Share Accurate Information	Rumours spread quickly. Offer verified updates (e.g., from Auckland Emergency Management) and be honest about what you don’t know. Correct misinformation gently.
5. Re-Establish Social Supports	Assist people to call whānau, contact church or marae leaders, or link with neighbours. Social connection is a key protective factor.

Getting Ready Before the Next Event

• Take a short course. Community Resilience Network offers schedules free course in PFA at some of Papakura’s Community Emergency Hubs. Check the CRN Events Calendar for times and days. Also, New Zealand Red Cross runs a one-day PFA course (currently NZ $225) across the motu, including Auckland.
• Download the free World Health Organization (WHO) PFA guide or Te Pou’s Mental Health First Aid resources for more in-depth learning.
• Know your stress signals. Fatigue, irritability, or retreating from others are normal early reactions. Plan healthy coping strategies—kai, rest, exercise, whakamoemiti (prayer/meditation).
• Keep key contacts on your phone and written in your grab-and-go kit. See the list below.

When Professional Help Is Needed

Encourage extra support if someone:

• Has nightmares or severe anxiety for more than a few weeks.
• Can’t perform daily tasks (e.g., caring for tamariki, going to work).
• Relies on alcohol, drugs, or gambling to cope.
• Talks about self-harm or harming others.

Local options:

• 1737, Need to Talk? – free call or text 1737, 24/7 nationwide. 1737 Digital Hub
• Lifeline Aotearoa – 0800 543 354.
• Papakura Community Mental Health Centre – via your GP or Counties Manukau Te Whatu Ora referral.
• Your marae, church, or cultural leaders—sometimes the first and most trusted point of contact.

Quick-Reference Contact List

• 111 – Life-threatening emergency
• 105 – Police non-urgent
• Auckland Emergency Management info line – 0800 22 22 00 (activated during major events)
• 1737 (text or call) – 24/7 wellbeing support
• Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or free-text 4357
• Youthline – 0800 37 66 33 or free-text 234
• New Zealand Red Cross PFA courses – first-aid.redcross.org.nz

Ko Tātou, Ko Papakura – Standing Strong Together

Psychological First Aid turns everyday kindness into a structured, evidence-based tool for resilience. Each of us—neighbours, sports coaches, shop owners, rangatahi—can learn to Look, Listen, and Link. By weaving these simple actions into our disaster response plans, Papakura will not only bounce back faster but grow stronger, more connected, and better prepared for whatever comes next.You don’t have to get it perfect—just be present. A calm voice, a listening ear, and practical help can make all the difference on someone’s hardest day.

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