"Wok Sambai Senta" is a psychosocial support centre originally formed as a response to the needs of tsunami survivors in 1998. The tsunami left not only physical devastation, but it also left thousands grieving deeply and scarred emotionally and psychologically. About half of the 9, 000 left alive suffered severe trauma from being physically caught in the wave. They also lost members of their family and friends. In many cases they were unable to find and bury the bodies of those who were swept away. They lost not only houses but a way of life.

Major part of the counselling work was provided to the victims of the tsunami. From the expert volunteers who attended to the needs of the tsunami victims, many locals were trained in basic counselling work which formed the nucleus of the grass roots Wok Sambai program. More than half of them are teachers. The program continued to be sourced by experts for counselling work.

Today there are other reasons for referral of people to Wok Sambai. Some of the reasons include:
* Patient continues to complain of symptoms for which no organic or medical cause is found, and a psycho-social basis suspected, e.g sorcery fears, spoilt relationship, using sickness to gain other advantages.
* Patient has a medical/surgical diagnosis but seems very depressed/unhappy or not responding to treatment.
* Patient has terminal illness such as AIDS which may require family therapy and ongoing support throughout the illness.
* Patient does not agree to proposed medical treatment.
* Patient has suicidal tendencies, often a cry for help.
* Psychosomatic symptoms are observed, such as headaches, high level of anxiety, sweating a lot, or scratches skin a lot.

The programs had provided services to many individuals, groups and communities within the tsunami affected area and also outside of the tsunami area. The services provided generally cover the One to One Counselling, Hospital Visits, Women Counselling, Art Therapy Workshop, 12 Steps of Self knowledge, Counselor Training in Tsunami Village, Art Therapy Certificate Training, Family and Community Issues Workshops, Family and Community Issues, Nutrition Program Tsunami Villages and Communication Course in Tsunami Areas.

The expected outcome of Wok Sambai and its carers activities is to increase autonomy of individuals, families and local communities in mutual support to achieve social, mental interpersonal well-being; with the goal that all people and communities in which they live can achieve 'gutpela sindaun' without independence on outside organisations.

Apart from the many achievements stated above, the analysis carried out on this main program identified the following issues of concern to be taken into account in the new plan:
* The project started to respond to the 1998 tsunami disaster
* The project aim is for community awareness in affecting issues in areas of health care, counselling, nutrition, women and general community awareness
* There are areas of duplication of work with Peace & Justice and Health.