Beslan Aid: Psych. Counseling, Public Center Available

Understatement of the year: Beslan survivors need psychological counseling.

MOSCOW, September 1 (RIA Novosti correspondent, Dmitry Panovkin) - Thirty percent of families who survived the terrorist attack on school no. 1 in Beslan, North Ossetia (Caucasus) need long-term psychological assistance, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Margarita Plotnikova, the coordinator of the program from the International Federation, said the Russian Red Cross together with the International Federation was working to address this need through charity services.

Every week, 20 nurses visit Beslan survivors offering them psychological and domestic help. The Russian Red Cross has also opened a public center in Beslan where people can do all sorts of jobs, and also receive psychological counseling. More than 400 people attend art and computer classes and participate in sports clubs.

"Our efforts have shown that such a versatile approach and involving the local people in social activities has more effect than temporary aid from visiting experts," Plotnikova said.