Support following natural disasters and other community trauma
This module provides educators with a foundational understanding of their role in the recovery process following a natural disaster or other events that result in community trauma.
After a traumatic event in the community, educators are often impacted themselves. They're required to coordinate a variety of supports and services for young people, children and families, in addition to their regular role within the learning community. This module will build on what you already do and better prepare you to respond. It offers:
- principles for psychological first aid
- a practical framework for supporting children and young people.
Who is this module for?
This module is designed for educators. It is based on their experiences working with children and young people affected by natural disasters (including bushfires, drought, flooding, cyclones and earthquakes) and other events that result in community trauma such as the impacts of pandemics (for example COVID-19), endemics, war or a death in the learning community.
Throughout the module, the term community trauma is used to describe all of the events outlined above, unless stated otherwise.
Self-care
Preparing for and responding to a natural disaster or other events that result community trauma can be overwhelming. During these times it’s important to take care of yourself by putting boundaries in place to ensure your own safety.
This applies even if you have not personally been through a community trauma in your community, due to the potential of vicarious trauma. Vicarious trauma is a response to learning about trauma that has affected other people, or providing support to those who have been through a traumatic experience.
As you work through this module, please follow the self-care tips below and seek help if needed:
- You don’t have to do the whole module in one sitting. Give yourself some breaks. Even if you don’t feel like you need a break, it’s a good idea to take one anyway and come back later
- Take notice of your responses as you progress through the module and after completion. Look for signs that you may be experiencing distress, such as an elevated heart rate or difficulty concentrating.
If you are experiencing any of those strong or uncomfortable feelings outlined above or find yourself needing more support, please take action.
You can speak with a trusted colleague or leader, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or SANE Australia on 1800 18 7263 or access wellbeing resources through the following link.
Educator wellbeing tools – Be You
Mental health services and support helplines – Be You
Professional development
This module meets the requirements of teacher-identified professional learning across all states and territories.
In the ACT, completing this module will contribute 90 minutes of ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) accredited professional learning addressing standard 4.4.2 Maintain Student Safety of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
In line with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) changes to professional development requirements, this module is no longer accredited by NESA.
Registered teachers in every state and territory must ensure you have added your teacher registration number and state or territory to the My Profile page in your Be You account.
See National standards on the Be You website to find out more about how the Be You Professional Learning aligns with other national frameworks and standards.
What you'll learn through this module
As you progress through this course, you will be able to:
- appreciate the role educators play in supporting children following a natural disaster or other events that result in community trauma
- understand the potential impact of a natural disaster or other events that result in community trauma on a child’s mental health and wellbeing
- use practical skills to support children following a natural disaster or other events that result in community trauma
- feel confident supporting children following a natural disaster or other events that result in community trauma.