Working in recovery

Preparing yourself for the reality of recovery.

Advice and tools for looking after yourself and each other - from people who have been there.

Prepare

How to support recovery workers

Video length: 3:37

Looking after yourself

Video length: 3:12

Living and working in an impacted area

Video length: 2:29

Steavenson Falls recovery project

Video length: 5:03

Sharing of experiences Wye River

Video length: 3:00

Lessons from Lancefield

Video length: 3:46

Rob Gordon: six tips for disaster recovery

Video length: 12:02

Recommended reading:

NZ Red Cross: Leading in disaster recovery

This Companion shares hard-won wisdom and practical strategies for leading in recovery. These are the messages others wished they’d had, and tools for putting these ideas in place.

NZ Red Cross: leading in disaster recovery, a companion through the chaos

"Make sure you have the resources around you. And if they’re not around you, ask for them, demand them, because if that’s what’s needed, then that’s what’s needed"
Vince Cafari
"Life during the recovery process is highly stressful. How well people do in recovery depends on how well they recognise and manage the stress. People need to take care of themselves and recover from recovery"

Recovery work is a marathon not a sprint

"Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. It’s really hard to step away (from recovery) but you need to allow yourself"
Louise Scott
"Look after yourself in order to look out for others. This includes pacing yourself. Community needs will continue over a prolonged period, so if you are planning to support for the duration, avoid wearing yourself out in the first leg"
Jolie Wills
"I did finally seek some professional help. That’s not something to be ashamed of. I needed to process some of the things and realise that it was quite normal - what I was feeling"
Louise Scott

Important links for further support and information