Our Disaster Recovery Team (DRT) clinicians and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinators have been supporting communities at various temporary pod villages in our area, hosting barbecues for residents and staff.
These events provide an opportunity to promote the NNSWLHD Disaster Recovery Team and other services providing mental health support to disaster-impacted communities.
The new DRT response trailer, with kitchen facilities and power sources, is a welcomed resource at the events. It’s become a talking point, attracting members of the community who may otherwise struggle to engage. Alongside the bright shirts worn at these events, the trailer has become a wonderful conversation starter.
When the Disaster Recovery Team are called upon to provide mental health support in a disaster, this trailer is equipped with power and water supply, tools, cooking facilities and equipment to support communities with essential needs and allows the clinicians to be onsite and available to engage quickly with people.
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From Left: Steve Carrigg (RAMHP Coordinator), Louise Sheehan (Disaster Recovery Team Leader), Lachlan Wherrett (Disaster Recovery Team Clinician), and Jen Stewart (Disaster Recovery Team Clinician) at the Wollongbar Pod Village.