Speak Out Loud: Stories of Strength

“Speak Out Loud: Stories of Strength from the Southern Downs” is a community project sharing stories of strength and resilience as well as information about mental health and well-being that supports communities impacted by the 2019 and 2020 bushfires in southern Queensland, Australia. Tune in for conversations with local residents and health and community workers who generously share tips, strategies and resources to support your recovery journey.This podcast is hosted by Kathryn Walton. Season 1 was supported by Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN. Season 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018).

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Speak Out Loud: Stories of Strength

Recovery Strategies

June 28, 2021 • Community Collaboration

Arlene Mascadri works for Queensland Health with the Disaster Mental Health Recovery Team covering the Southern Downs Region. The Team was formed in response to the 2019 bushfires in eastern Queensland and is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State governments. The Mental Health Disaster Recovery Team works with communities who have been impacted by the bushfires whilst also recognising the impact on mental health of the drought and COVID-19. They provide clinical care and medical support to people who have been affected.

In this conversation Arlene explains:

the role of the Disaster Mental Health Recovery Team in the Southern Downs Region
the effects of events such as bushfires on mental health
the strengths that people on the Southern Downs have drawn upon to manage the layers of stresses including drought, bushfires and COVID-19
practical things you can do to strengthen your mental health throughout your recovery journey
signs that you are managing your recovery journey okay
warning signs to look out for if you, or someone you know, is not travelling along so well
what you can do if you are concerned about your mental health or the mental health of someone else
services provided by the Disaster Mental Health Recovery Team including who can access the services and how to go about it
where to go for more information or help

Arlene also shares her Top 3 Tips to strengthen your mental health on your personal recovery journey.

RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode with the Top 3 Takeaways or Tips and the services and resources we referred to.

Disaster Mental Health Recovery Team
E: Disasterrecoveryprogram.DDHHS@health.qld.gov.au
P: 0407 333 118

Arlene Mascadri (Disaster Mental Health Recovery Team)
P: 0448 587 326

CRISIS SUPPORT
Emergency Services
P: 000 (Triple Zero)

Lifeline
24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services
P: 13 11 14

1300MHCALL
P: 1300 642 255

Contact Kathryn Walton (Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy)

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN - Use the clickable map to find mental health services in the region

Speak Out Loud has been supported through funding from the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay