You’re not alone in these challenging times
A training session by CCRT-LK
United by the common goal of providing community support during times of need, the Community Crisis Response Team – Sri Lanka (CCRT-LK) has stepped up to the challenge of helping those who are gravely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent quarantine measures. Despite the challenges they face, this volunteer-based crisis response team is doing all that they can to provide support and aid where it is needed.
The group’s response was immediate following the implementation of self-isolation and self-quarantine measures last month, after realising that many would find basic needs like food and sanitisation difficult to obtain.
With the support of their dedicated network of volunteers, generous donors, services like PickMe as well as other similar organisations, the team sourced, purchased and delivered dry rations and self-care packages to people in vulnerable communities. This includes the elderly, families with young children, immuno-compromised people and daily wage-earners, as well as other marginalised or socially ostracised communities.
Though the strict curfews have since curtailed their delivery operation, CCRT-LK has continued their core operation of providing remote psychological first aid to those who faced stress and anxiety during this period.
A group of volunteers from diverse backgrounds and industries they came together in January 2019 drawn by their passion to support their communities. After identifying a gap in the country’s emergency response system, such as the inadequate psychological/emotional support given to individuals and communities in times of crisis, founders Nivendra Uduman and Faraj Farizul understood the need to deliver sustainable responses in the face of crisis.
“CCRT-LK was founded because there is a need to educate communities about preparedness and responding to crisis,” Nivendra shares, adding that their key focus is to empower people by sharing basic knowledge on how to manage a personal emergency or a crisis in their communities.
The CCRT-LK volunteers are trained and certified in crucial aspects of crisis response so they are equipped to provide more than basic first aid and rations in a crisis situation. This includes First Aid, CPR and in the use of an automated external defibrillator. They are also trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA) which is basic supportive and practical assistance given to people who have recently suffered exposure to serious stressors. The team also hope to cover more areas like basic water rescue, firefighting, suicide prevention gatekeeper training, self-defence and animal rescue.
The team is prepared to provide support to state emergency services as an auxiliary service, and to also provide advice and guidance for people experiencing crises of all kinds. As such, the CCRT-LK places an equal priority on mental health as much as physical health.
“I think what we do, as an organisation, is crucial in terms of recognising the importance of preparing volunteers for unexpected emergencies and keeping people safe,” says CCRT-LK volunteer Renushi Ubeyratna. “By taking a more active role in emergency preparedness initiatives, we have the potential to prepare more individuals to handle crises that impact their communities/area”
The team tells us that when a crisis hits, the volunteers of CCRT-LK make themselves available to help no matter what, rallying together through their dedicated Whatsapp group to do what needs to be done and provide comfort and safety to Sri Lankans in times of need.
“Not only does the CCRT-LK provide community based crisis and relief interventions, but we are also creating active citizens who are equipped to support people in need, whether physically or psychologically,” says volunteer Nadeesh Jayasinghe.
Despite being fairly new, the CCRT-LK team has provided crucial support in many crises to date, including supporting with relief efforts and providing much-needed PFA during natural disasters and the Easter attacks.
“The CCRT volunteers are more than just volunteers; we are a family and we’ve gone through so much with each other. Not only do we support others in need, we are also a strong support system for each other,” says Nadeesh.
“One of the best things about the composition of the team is that we come from diverse backgrounds, have diverse interests and skills. We make sure that this diverse background and capabilities are applied and put into use in everything we do,” Renushi adds.
The CCRT-LK team advises the public to stay calm and safe, while being sensitive to the needs of others. This includes refraining from hoarding supplies, taking measures to manage stress and anxiety and refraining from creating unnecessary panic, checking up on loved ones, and familiarising oneself with appropriate first aid techniques.
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| Despite the absolute necessity of this curfew period in flattening the curve of the Covid-19 outbreak spread, tensions and stress are invariably at their peak during difficult times. If you or someone you know is in need of either physical or psychological aid, get in touch with CCRT-LK by visiting their Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/CCRTLK/ or on their Twitter page @CCRTLK
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