Post-landslide counselling available to residents
In the wake of last month's devastating landslide, many Lions Bay residents continue to struggle with feelings of loss and anxiety.
While investigation into the cause of the landslide continues, the province's health services have been made available here in the Village.
Last week, local residents were invited to a drop-in support session facilitated by the province at the Village Hall. Cathy Dent, a crisis intervention specialist and Lions Bay resident, attended with other members of her team to provide immediate short-term emotional and wellness support.
According to Alisha Pillay, Communications Director of the Provincial Health Services Authority, the support provided to Lions Bay was through the Disaster Psychosocial Support (DPS) team, which is part of Health Emergency Management BC of the Provincial Health Service Authority. Pillay says the DPS team can be made available for up to two weeks depending on the situation, and in coordination with the community.
She noted that the organization typically does not share the outcomes of events such as these.
"However, we believe that it is important to provide opportunities for people to gather and explore what might be helpful to themselves. These gatherings may vary in size—from small groups to larger sessions—depending on the nature of the incident," she said in a statement to The Watershed.
"Supportive information sessions after difficult events can help foster a sense of connection and help individuals understand and normalize how they are feeling and learn about different ways of coping or resources that might be helpful to them."
Pillay said that the DPS team typically offers resources to help affected individuals and direct them to other services as needed.
Residents in need of additional information or support can contact the team toll-free at 1-800-686-3022. Individuals "only have to provide their first name, telephone number, and indicate they are from Lions Bay," says Pillay, and a team member will follow up.
This is not a 24-hour crisis line. Persons in crisis and in need of immediate support can access a crisis line at 310-6789 (no area code needed).
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