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Latrobe City Council supports mental health in bushfire communitiesWorking with community to help and assist those who experienced bushfire. By news@gippsland - 28th May 2021 - Back to News Communities affected by the Yinnar South Bushfire in 2019 are better equipped to care for each other after locals recently took part in mental health first aid training. Participants were trained by Mental Health First Aid Australia to recognise signs of mental health problems and how to help someone experiencing a mental illness until professional help is received or a crisis resolves.
Communities affected by bushfire can experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be intense, confusing and frightening, however, in most cases, they fade over time, it is why our support is also important to help them maintain good mental health
Mental health crises
The course was held at Yinnar and District Memorial Hall and covered mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use problems. It also explored mental health crises such as suicidal thoughts and behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury, panic attacks and traumatic events.
The course was attended by community members from Landcare, Boolarra Pony Club, a community choir, a preschool teacher, business owners and farmers. Participants received a three-year certification as mental health first aiders.
Receiving professional help needed
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said, "Experiencing a bushfire and its aftermath is a traumatic experience that can severely impact the mental health of people, not just at the time but also for many years to come."
"That’s why this training is vital. We need to have qualified people in the community able to recognise people experiencing ill mental health, to ensure they promptly receive the professional help they need."
Working with the community
The bushfire was started by lightning strike on 2 March 2019 and burnt through 1913 hectares in the Yinnar South, Budgeree and Jumbuk areas, destroying two homes and three outbuildings, including the Jumbuk Hall.
Council worked with the community to establish a community recovery committee to represent locals in developing a recovery plan that targeted the needs of the impacted communities. This plan identified issues around assisting people’s wellbeing and rebuilding the community.
Representatives from government organisations
The committee includes representatives of Latrobe City Council, Hancock Victoria Plantations, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (previously known as the Department of Health and Human Services) and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Pictures from Victorian Department of Health Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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