When thinking about pre-season preparedness we often think about drills, equipment inventories and checking our PPE. How often do we also think about our psychological health?
Our ability to be resilient and to manage our reactions and moods can also influence our effectiveness across the fire season.
The Organisational Wellbeing team have pulled together some resources and services to help with psychological pre-season preparedness.
The first is a new podcast series produced by Wellbeing Consultant Cara Mclntyre. In this four part series Cara is joined by a number of CFA Members, including ACFO Brett Boatman, for a discussion about the tips and tools that have helped them to better support their own and others wellbeing. You can listen to the podcasts through the wellbeing page on the CFA Intranet.
2020 has sent us some curve balls and it can be easy to miss the early signs of changes to our mental health. The Black Dog Institute have launched the Bushfire Support Service which provides a quick and confidential online wellbeing check and free access to further support and treatment where needed.
To complement CFA’s mental health literacy programs, Phoenix Australia are rolling out free online courses in Psychological First Aid for leaders and Trauma Informed Care for all Members. The courses are self-paced and designed to support recovery from the bushfires and build up the resilience and wellbeing across our teams.
These and other new services from Fortem Australia and Beyond Blue are listed on the Wellbeing intranet page. You’ll also find a new webinar series supporting our return to the workplace post COVID restrictions.
Don’t forget that there is a virtual screening of the Happy Sad Man documentary next week. This film provides a heart-warming glimpse into the mental health challenges faced by men today. The screening will be followed by an online panel discussion on the 26th of November at 7.30pm with the film-maker and other special guests. You can register to attend via the Wellbeing intranet page or by emailing wellbeing@cfa.vic.gov.au.
As always, Members and their families are welcome to access confidential CFA supports including the Member Assistance Program, Peers and Chaplaincy service. For more information, or help to access all the services and supports listed, contact your local Peer or Member Wellbeing Advisor. Alternatively you can call the Wellbeing Support Line 24/7 on 1800 959 232.
Contacts
If at any time you are worried about your psychological wellbeing or the wellbeing of someone you know, there is always help available through:
Your GP
CFA Wellbeing Support Line - 1800 959 232
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Grief Line - 1300 845 745
Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636