Queenslanders have just emerged from a 10 year drought to be swamped with a deluge of disaster.

 

It is not unusual for people to begin to feel bewildered, frustrated and angry. For some people it’s like a state of shock.

 

People affected by floods can experience moderate to high levels of anxiety, significant grief from further loss of property or valued possessions, and may find themselves in unexpected financial hardship.

 

This can wear thin on emotional wellbeing – that’s where Lifeline comes in.

 

Lifeline provides flood support through its Community Recovery Program which is specifically designed to provide support to individuals and communities affected by disasters or events.

 

The program aims to make an immediate impact on the trauma and stress experienced by communities through counselling interventions, as well as spearheading longer term recovery through a coordinated approach to rebuilding or re-establishing key community networks and support structures. 

 

Lifeline’s Community Recovery team was activated at the request of the Queensland Government.

 

Some support can continue for years after a critical incident and includes psychological assessments and referrals; immediate and ongoing counselling and support; and financial counselling including referrals for business.

 

All funds raised through the appeal will be used to resource Lifeline’s Community Recovery Program so that Lifeline can continue to provide fast response and well-trained staff and volunteers in the event of a disaster. You can either donate now or set up your own fundraising activity.

 

Past incidents that the Community Recovery Program has responded to include Cyclone Larry; Brisbane storms; Childers Backpacker Hostel fire; Cyclone Ului; floods in South-West Queensland, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Central Queensland; bushfires in Stanthorpe, Toowoomba and Tara; Traveston Dam; Palm Island riots; Q-Rail train derailment; Childers Backpacker Hostel fire; and Townsville Black Hawk helicopter disaster.