A witness to the Christchurch terror attack is calling on the government to listen to their pleas, and fears lives could be lost if mental health support isn't adequately provided.
Nathan Smith was inside Masjid An-Nur when the shooting started on 15 March 2019.
Fifty-one lives were lost in the terrorist attack - the country's worst mass shooting - committed by an Australian white supremacist.
Smith says he has, as a first-hand witness, struggled with the trauma since the attack and mental health support has been nearly non-existent.
His first counselling session was with a temporary counsellor who returned home to Australia, and he had to seek out his own counselling when the following appointments were cancelled.
ACC's mental health support policy is that help is only given if a mental injury is caused by a physical injury.
RNZ
Watch the interview with Smith here. Warning: Parts of it could be distressing for some viewers.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
