Community Wellbeing

Support crucial in navigating tough times 

Again, we have found ourselves in times of challenge. All who have been affected by the floods, especially those who have had water damage to their homes, property or businesses, continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. So often, during times of challenge, we see the best arise from people. It has been so heartwarming to see the support of community binding together in acts of solidarity and service. Countless volunteers filling sandbags, cooking meals, cleaning up the mess in strangers' homes, going out of their way to search for others' lost pets and assist the elderly and our community’s most vulnerable, have been some of the many, many amazing ways our community has reached out to support through the challenging times. It was unbelievable to have people turned away because there were too many people willing to offer support!

Support is something we all need and as songwriter Bill Withers put it, “We all need somebody to lean on”. It is common for people to need support after witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, and although the immediate and practical support is much needed, we also need to remain conscious of the ongoing support we may require particularly as the dust settles and we “get back to normal”. As parents, being aware of the reactions that your child may display after an event such as flooding and knowing how to support is essential.

The link below will take you to an article written by headspace that outlines what to look for and how to support your child to manage through the stress natural disasters can bring.

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/natural-disasters/

If you or your child are finding it difficult to cope during this time please reach out to our college wellbeing team at:

wellbeing@sackialla.catholic.edu.au

Or for immediate or emergency national 24/7 crisis services

Lifeline: 13 43 57 (13 HELP) or lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au

Additional youth support services:

headspace: 1800 650 890 or https://headspace.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

ReachOut: reachout.com

Along with support, self-care is an important part of recovering from a traumatic event such as a flood. It is vital to take time to be kind to ourselves. Often during times of natural disasters, we spend our time being compassionate towards others and forget about ourselves! We sometimes need a reminder to think of the ‘aeroplane analogy’ and put our own oxygen mask on first before we help others. We must prioritise the time to care for ourselves to open up space for us to care for others.

SANE.org outlines some amazing and practical ways we can ensure we are being kind to ourselves during this time.

Take the time to be kind to ourselves, look out for one other and know there is so much support out there. 

Take care.

 - Kate McGrath, Deputy Principal Community Wellbeing 

Support available for flood-affected students

Please find below a letter outlining financial support available through the Department of Education for Victorian school children directly affected by the recent flood event.

Free camp for students impacted by floods

Please find below a flyer from Catholic Care that outlines information about afree camp to The Otways for young people in the Shepparton and Mooroopna region who are aged 13-17 and have been impacted by the floods. The 'Giz a Break' team will prioritise those who live in temporary accommodation with no chance to return home in the near future. There is no cost – the team are providing this adventure on a voluntary basis. Please see further information at the link: https://www.gizabreak.org.au/register 

Vinnies launches Victorian Flood Appeal 

The St Vincent de Paul Society has established a Victorian Flood Appeal. Contributions can be made by:

 - Call 13 18 12

 - visit https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-vic/vinnies-vic-flood-appeal-2022

You can also make a monetary donation through Vinnies Shops at point of purchase and via your local IGA where the purchase of a token supports the recovery of Victorians devastated by these recent floods.

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