The study is designed to explore how individuals, who have been directly or indirectly affected by a bushfire, flood, cyclone or earthquake in Australia and New Zealand, use the internet to meet their post-disaster needs.
The study recognises that individuals who have been directly or indirectly affected by a disaster can respond in different ways to their post-disaster situation, and may have differing perspectives of how useful the internet is after experiencing a disaster.
The study will contribute to the current disaster-related literature and further social work practice knowledge. Please visit the project website (http://www.theonlineconnection.org.au) for more information and to participate in the study.
To be able to participate in the study, you will need to be:
- At least 18 years old;
- Have been affected by one of the listed disasters stated above;
- Have used the internet to (i) share your thoughts and feelings relating to your own disaster-related experiences or (ii) to observe other people's thoughts, feelings or experiences of the disaster.
The study is being conducted by Associate Professor Louise Harms (Principal Supervisor), Dr Lisa Gibbs (Supervisor) and Ms Marian Lok (PhD Candidate) at the University of Melbourne.
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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. 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)
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. Chaplains can be contacted directly or by contacting Converge International on 1800 337 068
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. Psychologists/Counsellors can be contacted directly by contacting PPC Worldwide on 1300 361 008
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.