​Wellbeing

• Let your clients know that it is normal to feel the effects of an event for some time. If these feelings go on, encourage them to get support through services like Mental Health Services in Australia (MHSA) which provides access to allied psychological services. This offers access to a psychologist or counsellor for free or a reduced fee through Medicare. They can be referred by their doctor.
  

• In a major emergency, local councils may set up a recovery centre to give the affected community access to services they need, like Centrelink, insurance companies and legal aid. Trained volunteers may visit homes and businesses with this information and may refer your clients to these services working in the recovery centre. Depending on your clients' special needs, you may need to help them get in touch with other services.

​​Tip​: support mental health

After a flood caused major damage to a retirement village and was believed to have contributed to one resident's heart attack and death, an aged care service engaged a local mental health professional to support and facilitate a group discussion with staff and residents.