More Support Needed for Volunteers Following Bushfires

As communities across Australia still grapple with the aftermath of the devastating black summer bushfires, researchers are warning more needs to be done to support the long-term mental health and personal wellbeing of first responders and their families.

A new study ‘After the Fires’  suggests targeted mental health and wellbeing resources need to be developed and volunteers involved in extensive diaststers need more financial support.

Flinders University mental health advocate Professor Sharon Lawn led the qualitative study which involved interviews with volunteers from SA, Victoria, NSW and Queensland. She joins Jennie Lenman in this podcast to discuss. Listen here for the interview, and read more about the study in our local news article.