EMERGENCY SERVICES FOUNDATION FAMILIES GUIDE | 27 | EMERGENCY SERVICES FOUNDATION FAMILIES GUIDE 26 Help is available Family members should be aware of where to direct their loved ones for resources and support. Emergency service agencies typically have an array of resources available to support the mental well-being of workers and their families. Additionally, there are various community support options available to the public. These often include: • Peer Support – these are emergency services workers that have received additional training to help their colleagues. • Chaplains – these are a variety of clergy that have been identified (and often trained) by the agency to provide support to their members. • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – this is a free counselling service available to emergency services workers and usually their families as well. CFA Wellbeing support line 1800 959 232 Ambulance Victoria 1800 626 377 SES Peer support and wellbeing team 1800 899 927 Life Saving Victoria EAP/Benestar 1300 360 364 St John Volunteer Peer Support 1300 853 515, EAP/ Converge 1300 687 327 Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministry EAP/ Mind Fit At Work 1800 862 042 Wildlife Victoria EAP/ Sonder 1800 234 560 Red Cross EAP/ Converge 1300 687 327 In addition, there are several community services available such as: • Your GP • School welfare department • Responder Assist - a place of mental health information, resources and training for emergency workers, their families and the professionals who support them. • Lifeline - a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. 13 11 14 • Beyond Blue -free mental health service that provides someone to talk with. • Fortem Australia - free support for first responders and their families • Black Dog Institute - for a free evidence based smart phone app ‘Sleep Ninja’ to help young people with sleep problems and general information about caring for friends and family who work in emergency services. • Relationships Victoria offer a range of free specialised services including for those in disaster affected areas. • Mensline – free 24/7 phone and online support specifically for men in relation to emotional, family and relationship issues. Call 1300 78 99 78 • Headspace – online mental health support for adolescents, young adults, and their parents • ReachOut – online mental health support for young people and their parents • Kids Helpline - free (even from a mobile), confidential, 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 – 25 call 1800 55 1800.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0NTM=