A Canterbury woman who helps re-settle former members of Gloriavale says she can't describe the trauma they face.

A trust aims to raise $100,000 through a Givealittle page for those who have left the West Coast community to help with basic costs and support.

Trust manager, Liz Gregory told Mike Hosking it's a difficult and emotional choice for people choosing to leave, with many believing their soul is damned.

She says in the first week, people don't eat or sleep much and they are exhausted from working so hard without enough rest for years.

"It's a huge job helping support families of up to ten-children, who need significant funds to get a house set up and school uniforms. No government funding is available which makes it all the more difficult."

Gregory says about 130 people have left Gloriavale in the six-years she's been helping people re-integrate.

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