Wellbeing support on anniversaries of Jersey tragedies

Psychological support services will continue into 2024

People in Jersey have been reminded that psychological support is available ahead of the first anniversaries of the L'Ecume II and Haut Du Mont tragedies.

Support is available for any islander who feels affected, as well as bereaved relatives living overseas.

Rachel Williams, head of health and wellbeing for the States has urged people to reach out for help if they feel it's needed.

Ms Williams said: "Psychological trauma can affect any of us at any time.

"They can be triggered by anything - a smell, a sound, or an anniversary - but the services are there to help.

"They're guided by the individual, they're flexible and they're accessible and they are available right now and for the coming months.

"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."

Rachel Williams has encouraged people to be aware that they may be triggered by the anniversaries in the coming days

The support on offer includes advice and guidance, signposting to services like the Listening Lounge, and specialist counselling for those struggling with PTSD.

Health checks have also been offered to all those who responded to the incidents, displaced residents, bereaved relatives and those living within 200m of Haut du Mont.

More than 130 people in Jersey have accessed the government support so far.

'As long as it takes'

Ms Williams said the support would continue to be available for "as long as it takes."

"There are no plans to stop any of this," she said.

"We deal with tragedies, loss and trauma in very different ways - it's very individualised and for some people it happens straight away, others it can take weeks or even months and years for those effects to really start to be felt.

"We're really keen that we can continue to support islanders as they come to terms with the tragic incidents from last year and also in any future major incidents."

On Thursday, a memorial service is being held for both tragedies at the Town Church.

Information on how to access support can be found on the States website.

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