Bushfire Support Resources
Get back on track with free support for people affected by bushfire living in South Western Sydney
The devastating 2019-2020 bushfires have had an enormous impact on many people and communities in our region, particularly in the Wollondilly and Wingecarribee shires.
If you or your family have been impacted by bushfire - you can access support to get back on track.
Download disaster supports directory: Managing your Mental Health
- Go to FREE mental health and wellbeing support in South Western Sydney for >
- Children (ages 3 to 12)
- Young people (ages 12 to 25)
- Adults
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Resources to support people affected by bushfire
- Practical information and other bushfire support
- Podcasts
- Helplines
Have you been affected by bushfire?
Need some support to get back on track?
It is normal to have strong emotional and/or physical reactions following a distressing event. This includes natural disasters such as bushfires. You can experience these reactions whether you are directly or indirectly affected. Almost everyone who experiences a distressing event will be emotionally impacted. But not everyone will respond in the same way.
Possible reactions to distressing events include:
- Feeling stressed, anxious, exhausted or confused
- Feeling sad, overwhelmed or angry
- Shock, feeling ‘numb’
- Uncertainty about the future
- Feeling lonely, isolated or withdrawn
- Feeling unwell – headaches, difficulty sleeping, eating, weight loss/gain
- Resentment or blaming others
- Increased substance use
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Nightmares or vivid dreams
For many people, these reactions will lessen over a few days or weeks, however for some people it may take longer. Help is available if you need it.
When to seek help
If your distress lasts longer than one month, or you are concerned - it is a good idea to seek the support of a health professional.
Talking to your GP about how you are feeling is a good place to start.
What help is available?
Your GP can help you with different support options. This could include accessing local mental health services.
If you live in Wollondilly or Wingecarribee and feel you have been affected by the bushfire crisis, you and your family can access free mental health support.
FREE Mental Health Services
COVID-19 UPDATE: It's a challenging time for many. Mental health services are still open and available in South Western Sydney, as many services use phone or video calls. Find out more information about Mental Health Support during COVID-19.
Support for Children (aged 3 to 12)
STAR4Kids provides free mental health support for children affected by bushfire who live in Wollondilly and Wingecarribee.
How to access STAR4Kids
Talk to your GP to find out more.
Or call AT Full Potential on
4655 1694 to discuss a referral.
Support for Young People (aged 12 to 25)
Wollondilly and Wingecarribee > ReFrame
How to access ReFrame
ReFrame provides free mental health support for young people affected by bushfire.
Talk to your GP to find out more.
Or call or text Community Links Wellbeing on0455 104 104 to discuss a referral.
Support for Adults
You in Mind provides free mental health support for people (aged 12 and over) affected by bushfire.
How to access You in Mind
Wollondilly and Wingecarribee
Talk to your GP to find out more.
Or call/text Community Links Wellbeing on0455 104 104.
If you live in Warragamba/Silverdale areas - call Connection Emotion Reflection on4684 3663 to discuss a referral.
Support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
Wollondilly and Wingecarribee
Connection Emotion Reflection provides free mental health support for people affected by bushfire who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
How to access Connection Emotion Reflection
Talk to your GP to find out more.
Or call Connection Emotion Reflection on4684 3663 to discuss a referral.
Other bushfire support
We have put together some useful resources for individuals and communities in South Western Sydney in need of support.
Resources to support people affected by bushfire
Bushfire Mental Health
Support and Resources
in South Western Sydney
- Bushfire Support in South Western Sydney - Mental Health Support and Resources
- A4 Poster - Have you been affected by bushfire?
- Mental Health support and information - Head to Health provides links to trusted mental health support online and by phone, resources and treatment options for individuals or someone they care about
- Headstart - find local mental health services
- Assisting a person affected by the bushfire crisis - A guide by Mental Health First Aid Australia
- The Mateship Manual: Natural Disasters and Emergencies - R U Ok
Mental health information for young people
- Headspace - Information for young people
- Information for young people affected by natural disaster
- Supporting young people affected by natural disaster - Information for family and friends
Protect yourself from smoke
- Advice on protecting yourself from bushfire smoke
- National Asthma Council resources to instruct patients on the correct use of inhalers and spacers.
Watch National Asthma Council 'How-to' videos
Other important information
Healthdirect - Bushfire Health and Safety
Managing medications during and after a bushfire
NSW RFS - (NSW Rural Fire Service) - major fire updates
Returning home safely after a bushfire
Healthdirect - After Hours GP helpline - Need to find a GP or pharmacy at night or the weekend?
Law Council of Australia - Resources for assistance
Listen to Lifeiine’s HOLDING ON TO HOPE' podcast - Survivor of three major bushfires, Chris Bogusis, tells his story in the 24 March, 2020 episode.
Resources for GPs - Practice Pulse January 2020
If emergency help is required, call 000.
Call the following numbers for free, confidential support 24/7 from trained specialist counsellors.
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Lifeline Bushfire Recovery Helpline 13 43 57
- Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (supporting ages 5 - 25)
- beyondblue 1300 224 636
- GriefLine: 1300 845 745 (12pm to 3am, 7 days)
Counselling Online (Drug and Alcohol Counselling): 1800 422 599 (24/7)
Coping with bushfire recovery two years on
The devasting Wollondilly and Wingecarribee bushfires were only two years ago. Do you need support?
