Say no to bullying

Brodie’s death was a tragic reminder of the serious consequences that bullying can have on victims, their families and the community.

Victorian Workplaces and schools are being asked to support the ‘take a stand against bullying’ campaign.

For further information about Brodie’s Law visit www.justice.vic.gov.au/saynotobullying and get behind the ‘take a stand against bullying’ campaign.

When was the last time you had a read of CFA’s Social Media Procedure?

These days bullying doesn’t just occur in the workplace or the school yard, it is now becoming more common to take place through social media.

Social media may include but is not limited to:

• social networking sites (eg Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Bebo)
• video and photo sharing websites (eg Flickr, Youtube)
  blogs, including corporate blogs and personal blogs
• micro-blogging (eg Twitter, Yammer)
• wikis and online collaborations (eg Wikipedia)
• forums, discussion boards and groups (eg Google groups, Whirlpool)

Ten top tips for social media for CFA Members

1. Know and follow CFA’s Social Media Procedure.

2. Treat online comments the same way you would treat comments to
the media or comments made in a public meeting.

3. Identify yourself if you discuss CFA or CFA-related matters,
and make it clear your comments are not official by using a disclaimer.

4. Keep confidential and classified information confidential.

5. Do not post anything that could invade someone’s privacy
(addresses, phone numbers etc.)

6. Be aware information you publish is often permanently
retrievable, even if you delete it.

7. Any bullying or harassing comments posted online are in breach of CFA policy and could result in disciplinary action.

8. Time spent on social media sites at work or using CFA internet-enabled devices should be in line with the CFA’s Electronic Media Usage
Policy.

9. Respect copyright laws.

10. Report abuse: if you see anything that is potentially
inappropriate or inaccurate online regarding CFA or a CFA member, report it to CFA’s Communications team (strat.comms@cfa.vic.gov.au).

CFA provides a range of Welfare Services to support CFA members and their immediate family members who may require support in response to difficult or potentially traumatic life events.

These events may be personal in nature or related to a member's involvement with CFA, for example attending at a critical incident

Welfare Services include:

Peer Support

The CFA Peers provides support, acknowledgement, recognition and connection for members and their families.

This service is provided by trained Peers through the provision of
Psychological First Aid and welfare support. Peers provide a crucial link to other support services.

Chaplaincy Support

Chaplains provide pastoral care within their CFA District. Pastoral care includes spiritual, physical, psychological and emotional care and wellbeing support which is not limited to a faith.

Psychologist/Counsellor Support
(Member Assistance Services)

Psychologists/counsellors provide professional mental health services to members and their immediate family members. They can assist a member in a range of areas, including family and relationship issues. A member is offered three confidential, free counselling sessions and CFA is invoiced for the cost of these sessions without any details being passed on to CFA.

Welfare services are short term in nature. Members with long term clinical or complex needs will be linked to appropriate services where relevant, such internal services (WorkCover or Volunteer Compensation) and external community based agencies.

How is support accessed?

Any member or family members can access support at any time.

Peer support can be accessed through the Rostered Duty Officer, Office in Charge, Line Manager, the Peer Coordinator or via the CFA Welfare line (ph 1800 628 616)

Chaplains can be contacted directly or by contacting Converge International on 1800 337 068

Psychologists/Counsellors can be contacted directly by contacting PPC Worldwide on 1300 361 008

CFA's Social Media Procedure is available here. Note, you will be prompted to log into CFA Online first.