Health and Wellbeing Materials

If you or someone you know is feeling strong emotions there are some practical strategies you may find helpful, accessible through the links below.

• Road to Resilience podcast
• https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/disaster-hub/
• https://www.redcross.org.au/prepareyourmind/
• https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/disasters/preparing-for-disasters
• https://emergingminds.com.au/?s=disaster
• https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/ef974a06-9172-4a44-9486-6e62919e342c/20aps-is-preparing-for-natural-disasters.pdf

The Victorian Government also has information on trauma and emergencies, and helpful strategies on how to best manage trauma for yourself or family members. Visit Better Health for more information.

The RFCS service offers wellbeing support to help with mental stresses resulting from financial issues. RFCS Victoria West can help farmers and small business owners to:

• Develop strategies to cope with stress.
• Recognise signs of poor health in themselves and/or their workers.
• Set up a support network within family/friends/community.
• Identify groups/activities within the community that can help.
• Access health services through referrals.

If you’re interested in speaking with a wellbeing counsellor, please contact RFCS Victoria West on 1300 735 578 or click here. 

The National Centre for Farmer Health is supporting primary producers through the delivery of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing.

You can visit the NCFH for a range of mental health resources and information tailored for Victorian farmers and agricultural communities, here.

The Salvation Army offers a range of services and assistance measures to help people who have been impacted by bushfires including financial assistance, emotional wellbeing and support services, general support information, referrals and advice. 

You can find out more by visiting https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/emergency-services/need-help/.

Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal supports communities in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia to implement initiatives that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts or recover from existing disasters through the medium to long term process.

Grants up to $25,000 are available for a broad range of initiatives to strengthen the capacity and capability of local people, organisations, networks, and systems that help communities to be informed, skilled, connected and resourced for the future. 

You can find out more by visiting https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-prepare-recover/.