Support is available following recent floods
3 May 2021
With communities across South Eastern NSW impacted by recent flooding, COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN is reminding residents there’s a range of services and supports available during this challenging time.
Dianne Kitcher, CEO South Eastern PHN NSW, said many people (including first responders) and communities may need some mental health support.
“A number of bushfire counselling services we fund have expanded their criteria to include people impacted by floods,” said Ms Kitcher.
“This expanded scope is not just for the disaster declared areas of the Bega Valley and the Eurobodalla, but has the flexibility for anyone across the region who has been impacted by the floods,” she added.
Services include:
Partner |
Contact |
Details |
CatholicCare |
1800 068 689 or visit the Catholic Care website. | Natural disaster counselling service. |
Grand Pacific Health |
1800 228 987 | Natural disaster counselling service. |
headspace |
Visit the headspace website to find your nearest headspace centre. | Youth-friendly confidential mental health and well-being services for 12-25 year olds. |
Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health & Community Servies |
Narooma - (02) 4476 0532 Bega - (02) 6492 0532 Batemans Bay - (02) 4488 4050 or visit the Katungul website. |
Provides culturally appropriate health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on the Far South Coast of NSW. |
“These services continue to help individuals and their loved ones deal with the emotional impacts the recent natural disasters have caused, and ensure there are support options available to assist them with recovery,” said Ms Kitcher.
As an alternative to counselling, community members may wish to try the New Access service, a free mental health coaching program developed by Beyond Blue and delivered by Wellways which is now available in South Eastern NSW.
“This new service will help to reach members of our community who may be less comfortable in reaching out to traditional services to manage the way they feel at a time when they need some assistance or require someone to talk to."
“It is different to other counselling services. Instead of a counsellor, people have a coach to help them work through an individual plan that they develop together, and progress is reviewed at each session to ensure they are receiving an appropriate level of care,” she said. Kristy McBain MP, Member for Eden-Monaro said taking care of ourselves and others has never been more important.
“If you, a family member or friend needs support, I encourage anyone to seek assistance and advice. The path to recovery is individual and there are locally based supports across the region.”
A full list of COORDINARE funded support programs in South Eastern NSW is available here. There’s also tips and suggestions on how to look after yourself and what to do if you need support.
For urgent concerns call the 24-hour Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511.
If you’re concerned for your immediate safety or the safety of others, dial 000 or visit your nearest emergency department.