Disaster & Emergency Support

Disaster & Emergency Support

Community Care oversees and coordinates Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania’s response during times of community disaster and declared ‘disasters’. Teams of Emergency Chaplains, coordinators and volunteers assist during different stages of a disaster response, including the initial stages, relief and recovery.

Community Care directly attends to the debriefing of personnel and volunteers, and assists churches to walk alongside their communities in the months to follow.

DURING EVENTS

In Victoria, the initial response during times of critical incidents and disasters is managed in conjunction with the Victorian Council of Churches (VCC) Emergency Ministries and State Emergency Plan. Preparation for these events is also held in conjunction with the VCC, and accredited Chaplains, volunteers and churches are trained according to the VCC ‘5 Point Plan for Congregations’.

In Tasmania, Community Care works directly with and through our local churches.

The State Emergency Plan

The State Emergency Plan is threefold: Prevention – Response – Recovery

While Recovery Arrangements are the responsibility of the Department of Human Services, the Department of Human Services has contracted the VCC to provide personal support services. All faith communities participating in Emergency Recovery arrangements are administered and coordinated by the Victorian Council of Churches.

Outreach Visiting Teams

In the event of an emergency, visiting teams are mobilised and resourced by the local municipal authority through VCC Area Coordinators. All people affected by an event in designated areas are visited. Visitors provide information, identify needs and report findings to enable appropriate measures to be taken. People in crisis value the opportunity to express their concerns and appreciate the involvement of VCC visitors.

Recovery Centre Support Workers

VCC volunteers also staff emergency centres to provide personal support to affected people and emergency personnel. Information and referrals are collated at recovery centres and passed on to agencies such as Red Cross, Salvation Army and suitable specialised services.

Trained Community Chaplains

Community Chaplains are local clergy, trained to provide a link between the Response and Recovery arrangements. They provide early personal support and psychological first aid interventions at an emergency site. Municipal Recovery Managers can call upon them for post event services. A register of trained and authorised Community Chaplains is maintained by the VCC.

POST EVENTS

Community Care works in conjunction with affiliated churches and agencies to provide ongoing support, recovery and assistance where possible to affected people in the community.

Churches of Christ Victoria / Tasmania Flood Assistance

To facilitate churches assisting in their communities incentives have been available from the Emergency Relief Fund. These funds are dispersed through affiliated churches and agencies and can only be used to assist families and communities directly affected by the recent floods. For more information contact Monique ten Hoopen on (03) 9488 8800 or email mtenhoopen@churchesofchrist.org.au

OTHER RESOURCES

Coping with Trauma
Looking after yourself after a disaster booklet – visit link
Australian Red Cross – “After the Emergency Kids Booklet” and adult “Coping with a Personal Crisis” and other publications – visit link
Beyond Blue – Fact Sheet 28 “Grief, Loss and Depression,” and other resources – visit link

Telephone Counselling (free)

The Australian Flood Phone Counselling Services Register for Flood Victims is now active on the Australian Counselling Association website – visit link