Services to help psychological recovery of flood affected people
Helping the psychological recovery of those affected in the 2010–2011 Victorian floods is a high priority with almost $5 million provided by both the Departments of Health and Human Services towards assistance.
Services ranging from counselling to outreach casework support will ensure individuals and families have access to the help they need, when they need it.
Support services are designed to address short and long-term disaster impacts and are based on the knowledge learned from the 2009 bushfire recovery experience. The services aim to help and reduce the wide range of emotions people can experience following such events including distress, anxiety, grief, sadness, anger, uncertainty and insecurity.
Professionals and services from local areas have been engaged to provide casework support as they have a greater understanding of how the floods affected the people in their regions.
In addition a new website and information brochure details the assistance available to individuals, families, businesses and farmers affected by flooding.
The website will be updated as new services are announced to ensure it provides comprehensive information.
The information brochure will be posted to flood emergency grant recipients. Brochure information is also available on the website.
For more information about services visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/floods or contact the Loddon
Region on telephone 1300 165 413.
Go to In focus issue 5 main page.
