Paper Title
Importance of Psychosocial Support Services to Community and Individuals: A Case Study of Natural Disaster (TC Winston, 2016) Fiji

Abstract
At the time of disasters, immediate support plays a vital role. Ensuring people are safe through psychological first aid coupled with long- term counselling and practical help is critical. As time passes, with such support, many people are able to heal themselves. However, 10‐20% of people will require further support and services in order to move forward after such trauma, and it is important that community members, and support workers understand that the needs of these people are different. There are no time‐lines that will apply to all people and communities after a natural disaster. For some, the need for immediate support may pass after one month, for others six or even 12 months. Medium term support is really only useful once people are safe and they experience an adequate amount of security and resources. People may need to be monitored for symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety (the three most common disorders following a natural disaster). Keywords - Psychosocial Support, Natural Disaster, Psychological First Aid, Long Terme Counselling