PARENTING AFTER BUSHFIRE GROUP TO BE HELD IN FLOWERDALE

PARENTING AFTER BUSHFIRE GROUP TO BE HELD IN FLOWERDALE
(You must register for this program see flyer below)

A parenting support program developed for mothers, fathers and carers of children and teenagers affected by the early 2009 Victorian bushfires will be held in Flowerdale this month.
The free, six-session program is designed to help parents and carers manage feelings of stress and anxiety in themselves and their children and give them the skills and confidence they need to support their family’s recovery.

The evidence-informed program has been developed collaboratively by the Parenting Research Centre and the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health.

Warren Cann, Executive Director of the Parenting Research Centre, says the program was developed using the latest research into the impact of trauma following a disaster.
“It has been specifically developed for parents and carers of children and teenagers affected by the early 2009 bushfires including the Black Saturday fires,” he said.

It will provide them with practical, effective strategies tailored to their own family’s needs and goals.”

Mr Cann said that the program will focus on supporting parents and carers of children and teenagers affected by the 2009 bushfires to:

• plan activities that they and their child can enjoy
• develop supportive connections with other people and local services
• manage feelings of distress that they or their child may be experiencing
• develop ways of thinking that are helpful and calming

The program will be led by trained and experienced facilitators in small, supportive groups of between four and ten people. It will be delivered across Victoria by local community organisations working with the Parenting Research Centre, wherever need is identified.

“We want to make sure that this program is delivered in the areas where it’s needed, so programs will be held when and where families or local services identify a need,” Mr Cann said.
Parents, carers and professionals can register their interest in the program by visiting www.parentingafterbushfire.net.au or contacting 1800 780 720.

The Parenting Children and Teenagers Affected by Bushfire program has been made possible by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on behalf of donors across Australia and the world.

Flowerdale: Session One 9/6/10 10am-12noon


Parenting Children Support Flowerdale