Your impact: Being there for Australian families after a disaster. The importance of psychological first aid. Disasters and emergencies are never simple. They don’t just affect homes — they disrupt lives, livelihoods, routines and entire communities. The impact is often layered, with emotional, physical, social and economic consequences that unfold over time. That’s why psychological first aid is at the heart of how Australian Red Cross supports people in the early hours, days and weeks after a disaster. In those first moments of crisis, the presence of a calm, compassionate person can make all the difference. Our trained staff and volunteers are there to offer emotional and practical support — to listen without judgment, provide comfort, and help people feel safe and connected again. Sometimes it’s being there to listen. Sometimes it’s simply a quiet space to breathe. Other times, it’s helping someone reconnect with a loved one or linking to a service/support they need to rebuild. These small acts of care are powerful — they ground people during chaos and remind them they’re not alone. This is why the delivery of psychological first aid by trained Australian Red Cross teams is so critical. It gives our people — and communities — the tools to look out for one another when it matters most, and to begin the long road to recovery with dignity, support and hope. Australian Red Cross support services at a glance: Psychosocial support Helping to protect and improve people’s mental health and psychosocial well-being, during and long after a disaster. • One-to-one psychosocial support to people experiencing the distress and disruption of a disaster. Community recovery events to foster community connections and participation. • Face-to-face or telephone outreach psychological first aid. • Identifying needs and shaping recovery practices to better support affected individuals and communities. Recovery capability building • Strengthening and developing stakeholder and community confidence and recovery capability through evidence-based workshops and training. • In-person and/or online training targeting recovery leaders across councils, government, organisations, community groups and households. Bespoke mentoring program • Supporting community-led recovery by linking trained disaster recovery volunteer mentors with community workers and leaders to discuss and address the challenges posed by disasters. Humanitarian and psychosocial advocacy • Ensuring the consideration of early and long-term psychosocial support across every aspect of disaster recovery. • Close collaboration with local recovery committees.
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