A REMINDER is being issued about the psychological support on offer as the Island marks the first anniversary of two tragedies which claimed the lives of 13 people.
Minute silences will be held at noon on Friday and Sunday to remember the lives lost in the sinking of the L’Ecume II trawler and the Haut du Mont explosion.
Health checks have been offered to all those who responded to the incidents, as well as displaced residents, bereaved relatives and people living within 200 metres of the site of the blast. The services will continue into the new year.
Rachel Williams, who leads the co-ordination of health and wellbeing following major incidents, said: “Many Islanders felt the effects of these incidents, particularly those who were displaced from their homes or lost loved ones.
“Those who responded to the incidents may also continue to be impacted, and the incidents may have triggered past memories of trauma, loss or bereavement for some Islanders too. We know that the effects can continue for many years – whether mourning the loss of a loved one or recovering from losing our home and/or possessions, which give us our sense of ‘self’. And the collective grief cannot be underestimated in our small and close community.
“If you feel that you need some additional support at this difficult time, please do reach out. We can help with advice, guidance, signposting to services, and we can also arrange specialist support for those who need it.”
