beyondblue is working closely with communities, government and health agencies to respond to the psychological impact of the devastating Victorian bushfires in February 2009 and has developed training and resources for community members in impacted Victorian communities.

Community Support Training Project: Responding to the Victorian bushfires

 To find out where and when workshops have and will be run, click here.

The Community Support Training is aimed at community members (e.g. sporting coaches, teachers, hairdressers, publicans, bank managers) who are likely to come into regular contact with people in their community who may be facing tough times following the bushfires. Through practical tips and tools, the workshops aim to increase participants' skills and confidence to respond to people they come across who they're concerned about and support them to seek help if needed.

The free workshops are suitable for up 25 people and run by an expert beyondblue facilitator. They are available in 90 minute, two or three-hour sessions. The workshops cover:

• tips for helping yourself, your family and friends
• common responses individuals experience following a disaster
• how to recognise when others are in difficulty and may need extra help
• how and when is a good time to seek help from a professional.

All participants will be provided with relevant beyondblue resources and a workshop guide which summarises the main points from the training and links to useful information.

The project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, in close association with the Victorian Government Department of Human Services.

Are you interested in hosting a workshop for your community?

If you are interested in hosting a training workshop, beyondblue can provide a Host Tool Kit to help promote and co-ordinate the event. A beyondblue workshop facilitator can discuss individual community needs prior to the training. beyondblue can fund agreed venue, equipment hire and catering costs, and assist with the recruitment of participants, as well as 'on-the-day' coordination.

beyondblue will fund agreed costs related to venue hire, catering, as well as the facilitator.

Enquiries and bookings can be made by calling Priscilla Bergin, Operations Manager T: (03) 9810 6100 E: priscilla.bergin@beyondblue.org.au. If you are ready to make a booking, please provide the time, date (at least four weeks before) and details of the booked venue.

 For Host Information Sheet, click here.

Victorian bushfires anniversary: one year on

View a special documentary series commissioned by the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority to mark February 7, 2010. Black Saturday One Year On is a four part documentary seen through the eyes of survivors, their battle to recover, the challenges they have faced along the way and what the future holds for them. The series was filmed, directed and produced by Darren Lunny.


beyondblue information for people impacted by the Victorian bushfires

beyondblue information stands are set up in all Department of Human Services Community Service Hubs in bushfire-affected areas. They are available to community agencies on request and contain free beyondblue information on depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma - including a self-help book.  For more information contact beyondblue on (03) 9810 6100. 

• beyondblue Emotional responses after a disaster: Download or order this card

The Emotional Responses after a Disaster envelope-sized information card lists the normal reactions people are likely to have to a traumatic situation and warning signs that indicate they may have an anxiety disorder and/or depression.

• Looking after yourself after a disaster: Download or order this booklet

The Looking after yourself after a disaster booklet contains tips, information, links to services and phone numbers for people who have experienced a disaster - and their friends and family. It also contains a number of practical exercises people can do to work through distressing thoughts and feelings many people commonly experience after a traumatic event.

This resource was developed in association with the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, the Australian Red Cross and, importantly, in consultation with people affected by previous bushfires.

 To find out more information about the project, click here.

For a list of other support services following a disaster which offer personal, emotional, psychological and financial help to those affected, click here.