Survivors of the 2009 Victorian bushfires can now access additional vouchers for two psychosocial programs providing psychological counselling and allied health services.

The chair of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund independent advisory panel, Pat McNamara, said VBAF had given the green light for people using the Psychological Counselling Program and the Wellness Recovery Program to be issued with additional rounds of vouchers.

'Both of these programs have been useful for bushfire survivors in their emotional recovery and the Panel’s decision to provide additional rounds of vouchers means people can continue their treatment and healing', Mr McNamara said.

'We know there are people who are still struggling to deal with the emotional trauma of the 2009 bushfires so giving them continued access to these two programs is an important part of their ongoing wellbeing and recovery'.

The Psychological Counselling Program provides people - including dependent children over 5 years of age - with six vouchers which can be used to see an eligible counsellor of their choice, in their own time.

An earlier restriction limiting people to a maximum of 12 vouchers (two rounds of vouchers) has now been lifted by VBAF, meaning people can now apply for additional rounds of six vouchers at a time.

The Wellness Recovery Program provides people with four vouchers which can be used to access a range of complementary therapies and allied health services, such as massage, naturopathy and acupuncture.

People who have used all four wellness vouchers can now apply for an additional round of four vouchers at a time, if these services will continue to help them recover.

Mr McNamara reminded bushfire survivors that VBAF had extended both programs for another year, and had increased the value of each psychological voucher from $100 to $150 to reflect increased service charges.

'People have until 1 June 2012 to apply for vouchers and they can be redeemed until 31 August 2012', he said.

'I would encourage anyone who thinks they may benefit from either of these programs - or if they know friends or neighbours who might benefit - to get in touch with the Fund on 1800 180 213' or download an application form for additional vouchers through this website.

Contact: Media contact: Jason Frenkel, Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund

Phone: 0402 282 251