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CRISIS
SERVICE IS ON HAND
AS
GRIFFITH reels from the tragic events of
recent weeks, a new community chaplaincy
service will step in to help shocked residents.
The
Griffith Community Chaplaincy will provide
non-denominational support services to locals
and will be staffed by local ministers and
experienced lay-people.
Volunteers
will offer a 24-hour service to anyone afected
by crime, accidents, bereavements, sudden
illness and suicide, and is an initiative
of the Griffith Christian Churches Association.
Reverend
Peter Gobbo said the service had already
been called on to assist local families
and had been in the pipeline now for 12
months. "We offer crisis intervention
and support because we recognised current
services are stretched," Mr Gobbo said.
"This is a non-denominational service
which would help people regardless of faith."
Reverend
Kevin Webb said there was help available
in Griffith. "There's been a few incidents
where the community have been left high
and dry without any emotional support,"
he said. "At the moment there is a
gap between victims, families of victims
and other affected people being able to
find the right help."
Local
organisations have come out in support of
the chaplaincy, with Suicide Awareness donating
uniforms and Griffith Community Health Centre
offering training.
"We
do not pretend to be psychologists but are
able and experienced enough to be a valuable
first-line response system," Mr Webb
said.
To
contact the Griffith Community Chaplaincy
call the 24 hour number on 0401 304 806
or email griffithchaplains@gmail.com
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