Sharing on Post-earthquake Support for Sichuan Division of Educational Psychology (DEP) Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) Irene Ho Chair, DEP
Background & Process May 12 Earthquake (Effects on students & schools) Communication, liaison Beijing:- exchange with psychologists - training of volunteers (graduate students in psychology) * K.F. Chow, Belinda Wong, Carrie Lau June - present Communication, liaison (Stages 3 & 4)
Training of Volunteers Day 1 :Volunteers heading for Sichuan (service targets: students) Morning 1.Assessment of training needs 2.Dealing with worries & anxieties (Sharing of our experience) 3.Psychological support/intervention in crisis: essential concepts, group debriefing experience Afternoon 4. Understanding and handling emotional responses of teachers & students; age-appropriate activities 5.Preparation: the role of volunteers (NOT psychotherapy), realistic expectations, self-care
Training of Volunteers Day 2 :Hotline volunteers Morning 1. Assessment of training needs 2. Helping participants understand their own emotional reactions & needs 3. Hotline service: functions & limitations 4. Group work on improved responses, building up Q & A for reference 5. Review: realistic expectations, improvements of hotline system
Summary of Experiences Conceptual model vs. reality of the situation Ad hoc arrangements, immediate reactions: experienced trainers Meaning of “psychological support”: Volunteers’ expectations ( “professional” service) vs. Real needs & effective services (beyond psychological techniques: * Being sensitive to the needs of targets * Understanding own role, expectations, preparation) Limitations of “hit and run” support
Stages of aftermath support service Stage 1:Needs assessment For planning purpose Stage 2: Training of core group supporters (with basic psychological training, students of Psychology & Mental Health teachers) Provide immediate aftermath support to schools Stage 3: Implementation of aftermath support to schools Provide emotional first-aid for affected individuals & to facilitate restoration of equilibrium of schools Identification of high-risk students/ teachers for follow-up service Stage 4: Long-term support Continuous needs assessment, school development, teacher training, parent support, community awareness & support, follow-up service for high-risk individuals