Flood Affected Communities Get on the Ground Mental Health Support

Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Primary Health Network, has funded two Wellbeing Workers to provide mental health support on the ground in flood affected communities.

Wentworth Healthcare’s Flood Needs Assessment 2023 reports that between 2019 and 2022 approximately 1,500 homes were damaged by flood waters across the region. The cumulative effects of multiple disasters of drought, bushfires, COVID-19, and numerous floods have been difficult, particularly for rural communities in the Hawkesbury who were cut off for considerable periods of time not only due to flood waters but devastated roads. 

The Wellbeing Workers are part of the Peppercorn Services team, which is the designated lead disaster recovery service providing individualised assistance across the Nepean Blue Mountains region.

Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay said some residents have experienced long periods of displacement from their homes, work, and schools. 

“Separation from family members and regular life has left many residents with increased anxiety levels, heightened by the impacts of COVID-19 and continual bad weather. Increased anxiety surrounding weather and enduring mental health issues relating to the effects of flooding has seen an increase in the uptake of our free Psychological Therapy Services. But this service is still underutilised, and rates of mental health issues are a lot higher as trauma affected individuals don’t always identify with having ‘traditional’ mental health issues, so do not seek out ‘traditional’ support,” she said.

The service was established in response to feedback that reported many of these areas have limited mental health services and involve travel to the bigger towns.

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