People affected by coastal erosion offered therapy

A new mental health initiative to support households at "significant" risk of coastal erosion has been launched by a charity.

The Sustain Coastal project, which is run by Norfolk and Waveney Mind, said it will offer activities and therapy to those feeling anxious, angry or "overwhelming grief".

The charity said it would focus offering its services in the villages of Happisburgh and Trimingham in Norfolk, where there is a high risk of further erosion.

The project is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK.

According to a Norfolk County Council report, which was published last year, Norfolk has part of the fastest-eroding coastline in North West Europe.

It is estimated that without action, the north Norfolk coastline could lose about 1,030 residential and commercial properties by 2105.

The government said climate change increased the risk of coastal erosion.

Ruth Taylor, social development manager at Norfolk and Waveney Mind, said: "We are aware that people in these communities feel very strong emotions about the subject of coastal change and the impacts of policy decisions around sea defences.

"These feelings are complex and interconnected, and they include anxiety, significant levels of anger, despair and depression, and overwhelming grief related to the threat of (or actual) loss of home, income, community networks and cultural assets.

"Other emotions include feelings of apathy and also powerlessness. Some individuals most directly affected may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and what can be called 'Pre-TSD' in anticipation of the changes that are coming."

Over the coming months, the Sustain Coastal project aims to work with communities to create a bespoke range of support activities and therapies.

These are likely to include monthly walk and talk groups, drop-in wellbeing sessions and one-to-one support meetings for those most at risk of losing their property.

"In this bespoke project we will include a greater focus on managing trauma, adapting to change, grief tending activities and strengthening community connections," Ms Taylor added.

Norfolk and Waveney Mind said it had already run successful pilot activities in Sheringham and Happisburgh.

The new project is funded by the Environment Agency, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Coastwise Coastal Transition Fund in partnership with North Norfolk District Council.

It is also supported by the Climate Psychology Alliance.

A launch event, which is open to all affected residents, is will be held at St Mary's church rooms in Happisburgh from 18:00 GMT on Wednesday.

A similar event will be held at the Pilgrim Shelter in Trimingham from 17:30 on 17 February.

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