Psychological Support Package 2
Purpose
To provide support for older people, families, men and women, who may be experiencing stress, trauma and isolation, to develop strategies for coping and reconnecting with their communities.
Amount
$4.2 million for community based programs targeting fire affected older people, families, men and women.
The Bushfire Psychological Support Package 2 has been developed through a $4.2 million gift from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund. This package consists of three parts:
- Support for older people
- Support for families
- Respite and retreats
This package will deliver community based programs through local community organisations and groups to support people and communities directly affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
Support for older people
A number of grants will be made available to community organisations and other groups to deliver a health and wellbeing program. This program aims to provide local opportunities for older people affected by the 2009 bushfires to maintain their physical health and wellbeing and remain connected to their community and each other.
Information about these grants will be made available through community hubs, neighbourhood houses and other community places, including this website in the coming weeks.
Support for families
Parent information and support groups will be made available to parents under stress as a result of the bushfires. Parents will have the opportunity to share experiences and learn about the effects of stress and trauma on their children and develop strategies for dealing with their behaviour and helping them to cope with stress and anxiety.
Information about parent information and support groups will be made available through schools, kindergartens, community hubs, neighbourhood houses and this website in the coming months.
Respite and retreats
Opportunities will be made available for men, women and families affected by the 2009 bushfires to help them deal with their distress, grief and trauma through the development of support networks and coping skills. These opportunities will include weekend respite and retreats, and programs focused on the specific recovery needs of women and men. A number of grants will also be made available to community organisations, local groups and individuals to develop activities, events and programs to promote positive mental health, support community connections, rebuild social networks and support broader community recovery.
Upcoming opportunities
Men Building Bridges Program
The Men Building Bridges program will provide grant funding to conduct workshops that provide opportunities for men to learn new skills and working bees to assist in community recovery and rebuilding after the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
More information is available in the Men Building Bridges information sheet (PDF, 113kb). To apply for the grant, complete the Men Building Bridges Expression of Interest form (PDF, 35kb).
Women Gathering After Fires
Women from fire affected regions are invited to apply for small grants to start new women's groups or to support existing groups. Funds can be used for food, transports, childcare, venues, equipment or as needed.
More information is available on the Women's Health Goulburn North East website.