Public information and support after disasters: a research project

This paper summarises key findings from a research project commissioned by Essex County Council's Crisis Support Scheme, which co‐ordinates the crisis support response to those affected by a major incident or disaster. The project focused on various forms of public information offered by the scheme and made available through its website (www.crisissupportessex.org) and through its crisis support workers. The research was conducted with members of Disaster Action, all of whom have direct personal experience of disaster as bereaved people and/or survivors. A short questionnaire and focus groups were used to gather information and feedback based on their own experiences and views of the information and support available through the scheme. The results highlight the meaning and significance of information during and after disasters, as well as the importance of proactive planning and response in meeting people's psychosocial needs in disasters.