SENIORS AND DISASTERS
The Department of Communities has released a flyer on Seniors and Disasters. Included in this flyer is information for prepareing ahead, helpful services and other resources.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section includes information for older Australians affected by the 2011 Queensland floods or cyclone Yasi. The content below is provided for information only. COTA Queensland takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information or advice contained in these links.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Websites
Queensland Government: Support and assistance http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/support.html or http://www.communityservices.qld.gov.au or call Queensland Government General Enquiries and Assistance:13 74 68 (13 QGOV)
Volunteering Queensland: Natural disasters key concepts explained http://www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au/home/knowledge/key-concepts-explained
Brisbane City Council: Disaster management planhttp://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-support/emergency-management/disaster-management-plan/index.htm
Brisbane City Council: Understand your flood risk – Flood Flag Map http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-support/emergency-management/flooding/Understand-your-flood-risk/flood-flag-map/index.htm
CARING FOR YOUR HEALTH
The beyondblue website, http://www.beyondblue.org/ provides information about caring for your health and wellbeing after a natural disaster.
The following information leaflets are also available to download “Emotional responses after a natural disaster” and “Looking after yourself after a disaster.”
In South East Queensland free counselling is being offered by The Brisbane South Division of General Practice to help flood-affected community members get back on track. No initial referral from a GP is necessary.
To access the services, simply call (07) 3274 1886 to book an appointment. The counselling team will help flood affected community members talk through their situation, address their feelings and start the recovery process, and also help them to link into additional supports as required.
Qualified and experienced psychologists are also situated at multiple community-based locations throughout the South and South-West areas of Brisbane including:
- Acacia Ridge Community Centre
- Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre
- Yeronga Flood Recovery Centre
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Important Numbers for those dealing with natural disasters and recovery are as follows:
Australian Psychological Society: 1800 333 497 (to find a psychologist)
beyondblue Information Line: 1300 22 4636
Centrelink: 13 61 50
COTA Seniors Infolinks: 1300 738 348
Disaster Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349
Emergencies: 000
Insurance Council of Australia: 1300 728 228
Lifeline – 24 hour crisis line: 13 11 14
Queensland Government General Enquiries and Assistance: 13 74 68 (13 QGOV)
RSPCA Qld Call Centre: 07 3426 9999
Rural Mental Health Support Line: 1800 201 123
Salvo Care Line: 1300 3636
St Vincent de Paul Society: 1300 633 343
SANE Helpline (office hours): 1800 187 263
Seniors Enquiry Line: 1300 135 500
Volunteering Queensland: 1800 994 100
22SES: 132 500