As advocates of The Bushfires of 2009 Community Support Committee, OEPCP are aware that many communities in the Outer East have been directly affected by the current bushfire crisis.

Here are some resources and information for individuals who are suffering from physical, mental, emotional and behavioural trauma:

• If you need help now, call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Community members needing assistance are encouraged to speak with their local health professional. Alternatively, they can call the Australian Primary Mental Health Alliance (APMHA) on 1300 514 811 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri). APMHA have experience in the original 2009 bushfire response.
• headtohealth.gov.au
• The Hidden Disaster: Family Violence Following Natural Disasters
• Online learning and toolkit to help support children before, during and after a traumatic event
• Bushfires of 2009 support flyer
• Trauma – reaction and recovery health information
• The University of Melbourne is completing a 10-year study ‘BeyondBushfires’ working to understand how people and communities are getting by after the February 2009 fires and what helps them through this process. Visit their website or Facebook page.

Resources for health professionals

• For more support, general practice can contact APMHA here
• GPs can trial the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) online emergency response planning tool (ERPT). For information click here.

Credit to our colleagues at Lower Hume Primary Care Partnership for resources and up to date information.