Department of Education, Youth and Family Services-Role of the Department in the lead-up and on the day of the Canberra bushfires.

Support provided for Bushfire and Emergency Service Members since January.

Support provided for Bushfire and Emergency Service Members since January

Individual Support:

IPS Counsellors at ESB and Staging Area from January 19^th. Available for general support and advice.

Contact phone numbers for EAP promulgated with Brigade members through Staging Area and ESB from January 19^th

Chief Fire Control Officer sent a letter to each volunteer recognising their efforts so far and recommending that they take the opportunity to speak to one of the counsellors that are readily available.

Scheduled change over of EAP on January 31^st managed by bring new provider on board earlier, and former provider continuing with clients with whom they had already had contact.

Continued availability of de-briefing advised at every possible forum, and through individual contact. Posters and phone-cards provided to all locations

27% of new referrals to EAP provider between Feb 3 and Feb 28 were from Bushfire and Emergency Services. (7 members)

Group Debriefing

Available on request from January 19^th, at ESB or on site at sheds as requested.

Formal debrief schedule developed with Davidson Trahaire. Group debriefing offered through all Captains and Commanders; counsellors went to Brigade sheds between end of January and early March. Mostly after-hours. 8 completed by February 25^th, for up to 30 members at each brigade.

Organisational Recovery

Steering Committee including HR staff and EAP provider established February 5^th to identify recovery needs, and develop strategies to address.

24 members trained to deliver a "Self Care at Work and Home"workshop for fellow members. Course details the effects of stress and strategies for managing.