Lifeline Crisis Support available 24-hours during flood hardship and anxiety

Lifeline Crisis Support workers are on the ground throughout South West Queensland to provide immediate emotional support to people affected by the flood and to encourage those who are struggling to seek support.

Lifeline Crisis Support workers were at the RNA Showgrounds last night to support those who flew in from the flooded evacuation centre in St George. Individuals and families will be housed at the showgrounds until it is safe to return to their homes.

At this stage, Lifeline Crisis Support workers will remain at the RNA showgrounds 24-hours a day to provide round-the-clock support.

“The St George community have experienced many floods. However this is the first time evacuees have had to leave the town all together,” Lifeline Community Recovery Coordinator Chris Lancaster said.

“The general anxiety of having to evacuate your home is increased when you have to evacuate your town – some support structures are broken and additional support may be required.

“This is the third year in a row that St George has flooded and although the St George community are resilient, three consecutive years of flooding is straining, exhausting and, for some, traumatising,” Mr Lancaster said.

“In these extraordinary circumstances, lives are turned upside down and people who aren’t used to asking for help may need additional support. We want to ensure that support is freely and easily accessible,” he said.

Lifeline Crisis Support workers are also stationed at the evacuation centres in Toowoomba and Dalby and are expecting up to 500 additional evacuees from St George today.

Lifeline is also providing support in Charleville and Mitchell.

As closed roads become accessible in Blackall, Alpha, Emerald and Hughenden, Lifeline Crisis Support workers will provide additional outreach support.

Additional Lifeline Crisis Support workers are flying into Charleville today and will be available to provide support to the 500 evacuees and others experiencing emotional hardship.

“Lifeline Crisis Support workers are available throughout the state at evacuation and community recovery centres to talk to people affected by the floods,” Mr Lancaster said.

Lifeline Crisis Support workers are also available at the Mitchell and Roma evacuation centres, located at the local RSL halls and are providing support to the family of Jane Sheahan in Roma who tragically died in floodwaters last Friday.

Additional support will be available in the town of Bollon on Wednesday when a Lifeline Crisis Support Worker will be airlifted into the town.

“We are also preparing support for the town of Dirranbandi who have already suffered some evacuation and flooding,” Mr Lancaster said.

“We encourage all those experiencing hardship from the floods – no matter their location – to get in contact with a Lifeline Crisis Support Worker through their local evacuation or community recovery centre or to call the Crisis Support line 13 11 14,” he said.

“During this time, emotions that such as fear, irritability and helplessness are normal.

“People may also feel withdrawn, confused, nervous, frustrated, angry and tired.
 
“If you feel you’re finding it difficult to cope and are unsure of what the future may bring, please reach out and share your feelings with family, friends or those in helping professions,” Mr Lancaster said.

Lifeline is encouraging those who are affected by the floods to:

• Share your feelings when you are ready
• Try to keep the rest of your life as normal as possible
• Accept support of people who care
• Take the time to be with your close family and friends
• Express your needs clearly and honestly to family, friends and those in helping professions.
• Look after yourself – eat well, sleep and take time out
• Let your children talk to you and others about their emotions
• Call Lifeline if necessary – a Lifeline Telephone Counsellor is available 24 hours a day – 13 11 14

Lifeline's Community Recovery program is committed to providing immediate to long-term support to those affected by disasters. Find out more about Lifeline's Community Recovery program.