Improving mental health outcomes after disaster

Introducing the new Disaster Mental Health Hub

Join us for an interactive webinar showcasing information, resources and training available for health practitioners. 

Disaster mental health experts will discuss evidence-based strategies for supporting recovery after disaster. 

The Disaster Mental Health Hub is an online source of information, resources and training for practitioners who support individuals and communities experiencing the mental health impacts of disasters.

It has been developed by Phoenix Australia in collaboration with Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and other stakeholder groups.

In this webinar we will cover:

• practical, evidence-based strategies to help you in your work supporting disaster-impacted individuals and communities 
• how the Disaster Mental Health Hub will give you quick access, as you need it, to practical information and advice, as well as in-depth training and information to help build your skills in best practice strategies to support recovery after disaster
• the three phases of disaster response: preparation (before), response (during and immediately after), and recovery (medium and longer term) 
  

Who should attend?

• health practitioners, including general practitioners, psychologists, and allied health 
• peak professional bodies

Speakers and panellists

• Andrew Coghlan, Head of Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross
• Professor Lisa Gibbs, University of Melbourne
• Associate Professor Simon Rosenbaum, University of New South Wales
• Associate Professor Leanne Humphreys, Director of Training and Workforce Development, Phoenix Australia
• Jane Nursey, Director, Clinical Services, Phoenix Australia
• Alexandra Howard, Director of Disasters and Public Health Emergencies, Phoenix Australia 
  

Visit the Disaster Mental Health Hub.

Speaker bios

Andrew Coghlan has over 20 years' experience in the emergency management sector. In his current role he oversees the national Emergency Services function, and ensures Australian Red Cross' ability to promote resilience and build community capacity, both in preparation for and response to disasters throughout Australia. Andrew played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience and Safer Communities, and the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, and has also contributed to the development of the IFRC Global Resilience Strategy.

Professor Lisa Gibbs is Director of the Child and Community Wellbeing Program in the Centre for Health Equity and Community Resilience in the Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety, University of Melbourne. She leads two areas of public health research: disaster resilience and child health and wellbeing. She is committed to ensuring the relevance of her research, through translation into direct policy and practice outcomes.

Scientia Associate Professor Simon Rosenbaum is an exercise physiologist at the University of new South Wales. His research focusses on physical activity, mental illness, sport for development, and global mental health. He has worked with a variety of groups including emergency service workers, youth, veterans, and refugees. He is national director of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, and the President Elect of the Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Jane Nursey is a clinical neuropsychologist with almost 30 years’ experience in the field of posttraumatic mental health, including working with defence force, police and other emergency service personnel, and disaster survivors. She has been involved in longitudinal research looking at the long-term outcomes of the Black Saturday bushfires.

Associate Professor Leanne Humphreys is a clinical psychologist, experienced in the treatment of PTSD and related comorbidities. She has developed treatment programs for veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, and was the Program Director for the Master and Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Charles Sturt University, where she developed an interest in online and blended learning. 

Alexandra Howard is a clinical psychologist with more than 10 years' experience in posttraumatic mental health. She has worked with disaster-impacted communities, and the health professionals who support them. She is leading Phoenix Australia's work with the Department of Health to build capability for emergency service and GP practice staff in bushfire-impacted areas.

This webinar is presented by Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. The Disaster Mental Health Hub is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Disaster Response – Improving Mental Health Outcomes and Promoting Recovery from Trauma Program.

Phoenix Australia.

Australian lives have and will be devastated by traumatic events. Anyone of us can be affected and the psychological impacts are deep and complex.

We are trusted experts in trauma-related mental health and wellbeing. As Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health we are the internationally recognised leaders in our field.

Understanding trauma. Renewing lives.