COVID – Disaster Recovery Services
We appreciate that while dealing with COVID-19 restrictions much of our community is still recovering from the 2019/20 bushfires and flooding in 2020 and 2021.
In addition to other Community and Wellbeing services there is particular support available to you if you have been impacted by fire or flood.
Flood Recovery Assistance Information
The Flood Recovery Information Page is here to support our community during the recovery from the 2021 floods.
Checking the page regularly for updates will be the best way for you to be aware of new information on the recovery however you can find the current update here
If you would like to receive information on flood recovery support as it progresses, you can register your details here so that we can continue to communicate with our flood affected residents.
Would you like someone to help you navigate what’s available and help you access assistance?
Local Recovery Support Services
Peppercorn Resilience Support Services offer individual support to strengthen the capacity, over time, of flood impacted people of our community by working with clients to engage with services, seek financial assistance and information and when needed navigate the range of services available. Call (02) 4587 0225 or email rss@peppercorn.org.au to speak with a Recovery Support Worker.
Department Primary Industries Rural Recovery Support Service for Primary Producers can be contacted on 0407 910 221 or by email to jamie.perry-meijer@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Would you like some Mental Health and Wellbeing Support in your Recovery?
Recovery from disasters takes time and mental health supports can help your long-term recovery.
In addition to regular and emergency 24/7 Mental Health Support here there are additional services available to help with recovery from disaster.
Could you use some support with your mental wellbeing in recovery from the fires or floods?
Flood Trauma Recovery – Special Mental Health Clinician is available by calling 0429 011 134 or 1800 011 511 (after hours)
Accessible Rural Counsellor providing free mental health and emotional support for people experiencing psychosocial hardship and suicidal crisis in the rural and remote areas. Please contact Sharon Aguas/Senior Psychologist or Michael Collina/Manager on 0428 342 866 or (02) 4560 4100 or email Sharon.Aguas@health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network - The Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (DRCN) is a non-denominational and multi faith network of chaplains established to assist people in NSW who have been affected by disasters and major emergencies within their communities. Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support in all circumstances, but particularly when people are distressed or suffering from guilt, grief or loss. Visit www.nswdrcn.org.au to contact the network directly.
Step by Step Wellbeing Support
At Wellbeing Support they know that there’s a lot going on at the moment. Hopefully you and your family are travelling ok though it is really normal to be experiencing some stress. Dealing with drought, fires, floods and now another COVID-19 lockdown can mean our nervous systems become a bit on edge. Some of us are having trouble sleeping, concentrating or getting through the list of things we need to deal with.
We want to let you know that there’s someone available who can chat and support you from your home, or wherever works for you. During lockdowns there is phone, zoom or a walk outside to chat. The Well Being Team are working alongside Step by Step to provide you with holistic and comprehensive support.
Free confidential outreach, individual or family counselling support for anyone affected by recent disasters including first responders and their loved ones. Call Nicole – Hawkesburyon0490 670 682 or email nicolel@gatewayfamilservices.org.au
Floods Psychological Therapy Services are available to people who have been impacted by the recent flooding in our region.
- Up to 10 free sessions per calendar year are available for individuals, couples or families significantly affected by the 2021 floods
- NO Centrelink or health care card is needed.
- NO Mental Health Care plan is needed (although a GP may choose to complete one at their discretion).
For more information contact Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network on (02) 4708 8100 or visit www.nbmphn.com.au
Are you 12 – 18 years or wanting mental wellbeing support for a young person?
Wesley Mission Youth Support Team can work with young people aged 12-18 who may have been impacted by the floods or are needing some extra help or connection with others. Workers aim to help support young people to establish and build resilience, engagement and connection in their home, school and community. For more information email Wesley Mission on youthhopeintake@wesleymission.org.au or phone (02) 8887 4862.
Are you a small business owner who would like mental wellbeing support?
NewAccess by Beyond Blue on 1300 945 301 provide a free and confidential mental health program. A mental health coache with a small business background will complete an initial assessment. Visit here.
Ahead for Business by Everymind – A digital hub that helps small business owners take action on their own mental health and wellbeing. For more information and resources, visit here.
Are you a primary producer who would like mental wellbeing support?
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) – Connects people living in regional, rural and remote NSW with local mental health services and resources. Visit https://www.ramhp.com.au/ to find your local RAMHP Coordinator.
Rural Resilience Program by Department of Primary Industries (DPI) – helping build resilience by linking rural communities, families and individuals with the most appropriate services and information. Visit the DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/rural-support/rural-resilience-program to contact a member of the Rural Resilience Team.
Rural Aid Australia – A tailored counselling program to help with natural disaster resilience building, managing financial stress, preventing and managing stress and other mental wellbeing support. Rural Aid’s counselling program is unique because their counsellors meet face-to-face with farmers and families on-farm where possible or conduct phone counselling sessions. Visit https://www.ruralaid.org.au/ to register or contact the team on 1300 327 624.
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