Thursday, 13 August 2009

Victorians directly affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires now have increased access to psychological counselling support, Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said today.

“The Bushfire Psychological Counselling Voucher Program has been developed through a $3.5 million gift from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund,” Ms Neville said.

“This is in addition to a package announced late last month by the Premier which focuses on support for children and young adults and providing forums in which people can share their experiences.

“In communities across Victoria we are seeing positive steps towards recovery but we cannot underestimate the distress these fires have had on individuals and families.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to help the Victorian communities affected by the bushfires to recover and this new counselling support program is an integral part of ensuring individuals and communities can do that.”

Ms Neville said the voucher program was developed to provide six counselling sessions to each individual, including dependant children over five years of age, who have been directly affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

“People who are eligible will be sent six vouchers that can be used to see an eligible counsellor of their own choice, and in their own time. There is no cash involved in this process and applicants will not have to pay any co-payment to the counsellor,” she said.

The program begins this week and will run until 10 August 2011. Vouchers can be used anytime during this period. Vouchers cannot be used for counselling sessions that have taken place before 10 August 2009.

Victorians eligible for the program include:

• Recipients of grants paid by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund;

• People receiving or who have received Victorian Bushfire Case Management;

• Dependant children (over 5 years of age) of eligible people above; and

• Other people who have been directly affected by the Victorian bushfires, for example, family and close friends of people affected by the bushfires and those people who have lost their livelihood directly through the effects of the bushfires.

All households and individuals who received grants paid for by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal fund will be receiving a letter containing information about the program and an application form. Individuals may also access application forms from Community Service Hubs, case managers or online from http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal

Victorian Bushfire Case Manager staff and staff at Community Service Hubs can provide further information about the Bushfire Psychological Counselling Voucher Program or contact the hotline on 1800 180 213.

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/minister-for-community-services/additional-bushfire-counselling-sessions-available.html