An oasis that supports the feeling of security for everyone living in temporary and rented housing:
“Support Center Naraha”
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| ▲Children absorbed in the read-aloud time during “Play Class” |
Opened this fall in Aizumisato-machi and Iwaki City, “Support Center Naraha” was established as a base for a variety of support services for those who were forced to leave their hometown, Naraha-machi, so they could have a secure life at a shelter.
Commissioned by Fukushima Prefecture, the Nahara-machi Council of Social Welfare maintains an office and operates from the Center. The services offered are very diverse, including creating a place for the elderly to prevent seclusion and provide care (day-service), healthcare, comprehensive consultation service for mental health care, gatherings to promote interaction between evacuees, meals and helper service, house visit, and parenting support. Recently, the number of users visiting the center has increased to about 20 people daily.
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| ▲During day-service meal time. The center also has a bathing facility and bathing service. |
▲Mothers exchanging information about weaning, work, day nursery, etc. |
“Many of the day-service users come because it is fun to come and talk about various subjects. I am very glad that the users’ expressions look brighter each time”, comments Mr. Teiji Kajiwara (Secretary General of Naraha-machi Council of Social Welfare.
The parenting support “Play Class” for parents with infants is also highly valued as a place to share thoughts about baby food and parenting. “Sharing thoughts gives comfort. And the mother’s feeling of security is conveyed to the child”, explains Ms. Kuniko Furuichi, the person in charge of the program.
Two months after its opening, the services offered by the center became more varied, including the long-sought for legal advice and mental health care assistance from specialists.
From now on, while continuing to hold fun events, we hope to provide more detailed support, and act as an oasis to support the feeling of security of Naraha-machi evacuees.
