Gratitude, Mindset and Hobbies

Val Voss and her husband Doug live on the edge of town in Stanthorpe which is at the southern end of the Southern Downs Region. Val loves pansies and patchworking and her home is a wonderful and cosy space to indulge in her hobbies. In September 2019 the picture was somewhat different as the bushfire took a turn for her home and she spent hours sitting by the creek nearby watching the flames and smoke and the frantic activity that accompanies any event like that. Val’s home was saved although the outbuildings and their contents were largely destroyed. 

In this podcast conversation you'll hear me read Val’s story in her own words. You’ll hear:

• when and how Val heard the news that a fire was approaching her home
• how Val’s husband joined the efforts of the emergency services to save their home while she stayed by the nearby creek watching and wondering what was going on
• how Val has drawn on an inner sense of calmness during times of despair by focusing on what she can control, not what she can’t
• the support of friends during and after the bushfire made a difference 
• as her house became safe during the night, the fire moved on to other areas
• the art of giving thanks and receiving support 
• things can change very quickly and unexpectedly
• the amazing work of the emergency service workers during the fire
• the gratitude for the charities, friends, council representatives, business houses and others who helped with the disaster recovery

Please note that this episode reflects on events and circumstances as the fire burned through Val’s property. Her house was saved and no one was hurt, but this is a topic which may trigger some people. If you are concerned about this, you might choose to skip through to another episode of this podcast or use the contact details below to access support for yourself.  

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

Mental Health Service Navigator (Helen O’Brien)
E: helen.obrien@rhealth.com.au
P: 0459 022 561 or 1300 012 710

Crisis Support  - “Lifeline”
24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services
P: 13 11 14

Find your closest hospital on the Darling Downs

New Access (Beyond Blue)
Mental health coaching support

Beyond Blue
Mental health and well-being information and support

headspace Warwick
Early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds including mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support
P: 07 4661 1999

Black Dog Institute
Mental health and well-being information and support

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program
Helen Ferrier (based in Stanthorpe)
E: wellbeing@mallow.net.au
P: 0401 557 338

Samaritan’s Purse

Contact Kathryn Walton from 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