Long‐term collective assistance for the bereaved following a disaster: A Scandinavian approach

Abstract

Objective: This paper describes an approach where disaster-bereaved families gather over three weekends to process and learn about grief together (a collective approach). Method: The article is based on experience related to several disasters in Norway and Finland, using a maritime disaster in which 16 persons lost their lives as a case example. Conclusions: This approach provides an opportunity to help numerous persons simultaneously. It facilitates support, communality and help within a group setting, provides access to self-help methods and allows screening of those in need of further help. Three weekend gatherings were held during the first year following loss of family members. Using plenary sessions, small groups and rituals during weekends, important themes within normal grief reactions over time were addressed.

What elements of a systems’ approach to bereavement are most effective in times of mass bereavement? A narrative systematic review with lessons for COVID-19

“…25 All incorporated elements of psycho-educational approaches. 14,15,[22][23][24][25] Screening and identification of individuals requiring more intensive, specialist support was a common feature across the services. 14,17,[21][22][23][24] In the Norwegian response to the 2011 terror attacks and Project Liberty counselling services, individuals identified as high risk were referred to local mental health services.…”

“…14,15,[22][23][24][25] Screening and identification of individuals requiring more intensive, specialist support was a common feature across the services. 14,17,[21][22][23][24] In the Norwegian response to the 2011 terror attacks and Project Liberty counselling services, individuals identified as high risk were referred to local mental health services. 17,21 In Project Liberty, bereaved individuals receiving counselling from July 2003 onwards were screened for complicated grief symptoms and, if indicated, provided with enhanced therapy services by specially trained, licenced mental health professionals.…”

Professionally Led Peer Support Group Process After the School Shooting in Finland

“…The leaders had frequent meetings during the weekend gatherings in order to prepare, update, and share information, as well as to ensure their own well-being. Every peer support group leader had a change to have an impact on the program by sharing their own special expertise and experiences from previous peer support processes as recommended by Dyregrov et al (2009) andSaari (2006). After the 2-year peer support process was finished, the leaders had a final meeting with a possibility to evaluate the process by sharing their opinions of the pros and cons of the project in the guidance of experienced supervisors.…”

“…They are regarded as ideal for exchanging information, sharing painful memories, providing mutual support, and encouraging hope and efforts for recovery (Dyregrov et al, 2009). The peer support group process applied to the relatives and friends of the school shooting victims in Finland was planned to supplement the support offered by their natural social networks and to strengthen their beneficial impacts.…”

Significance of close relationships after the tsunami disaster in connection with existential health – a qualitative interpretive study

“…also assert this and add that families have been satisfied with short‐term help, but not with long‐term aid. No accepted models for the long‐term care of families are available (9). According to Isovaara et al.…”