Salvation Army offers help for post-disaster trauma
Stock image (Photo: Dean Saffron)
The Salvation Army is urging Australians affected by natural disasters which have devastated communities over the summer to look after their mental health – warning that even people who were lucky to escape damage could be impacted by trauma.
“For those people in affected areas, the focus right now will be on assisting people as they recover and get back on their feet,” says The Salvation Army’s Major Bruce Harmer. “But somewhere down the track, the emotions associated with trauma could surface.
“We want to let people know that help is available.”
“Still Standing” (stillstanding.org.au) is a website and film – available to view online –developed by The Salvation Army to provide people affected by natural disasters with information from experts who can assist in long-term recovery. Experts include Australians who have suffered great loss and who have recovered from previous natural disasters, as well as medical practitioners who specialise in disaster recovery. The website also includes special information for helping children to understand and cope in hard times.
“Our Still Standing website is dedicated to people who have suffered through natural disasters,” says Major Harmer. “One of the key aspects of recovery is to find a safe person to speak to about your experiences. The “Still Standing” website provides a place where those affected can share their stories with others.”
Salvation Army counsellors are warning that even those not directly affected by the recent cyclone, storms, flooding and fires could also be impacted – as the situation could trigger trauma and emotions from previous disasters that haven’t yet been dealt with.
“We want to let people know that it’s never too late to seek help,” says Major Harmer. “For some people, watching these disasters unfold on television will bring back painful memories and emotions. We want to say to those people that help is still available.”
After Cyclone Yasi and the devastating floods of 2011, The Salvation Army deployed trauma counsellors to QLD who are still available to provide free counselling to people adversely affected by disaster.
People wishing to assist at this time can do so by donating to the Australian Disaster Relief Fund online at salvos.org.au, by phoning 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or in person at any Westpac branch or Woolworths and Big W stores across Australia. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.