Victims of the 2021-2022 South East Queensland (SEQ) rainfall and flood events can rest a little easier knowing a Disaster Flood Team has been stood up to support their mental health. 
 
The MSAMHS Disaster Flood team (pictured) is part of the whole of MSH Post-Disaster Mental Health Recovery Service for individuals of all ages and communities impacted by recent weather patterns. 
 
The team, comprised of nurses, social workers, a psychologist, an administration officer, a peer worker and a psychiatrist, is now clinically operational and looking to spread the word about the services they offer.
 
ADON Iris Vukelic said the team delivered a confidential and evidence-based practical approach to help individuals, families, teams and communities who have experienced trauma, loss and grief, across all age groups.
 
"The MSAMHS Disaster Flood team provides a stepped care, outreach model of post-disaster mental health recovery support and assistance across all Metro South 2021-22 rainfall and flood impacted areas," she said.
 
"The team responds to both disaster related trauma and loss, and distress from stressors, including financial, relational and emotional, that arise as a direct or indirect result of the disaster event."
 
Ms Vukelic encouraged anyone who had been impacted by floods to contact the Disaster Flood Team. 
 
"The referral process is trauma informed and intentionally simple – individuals can self-refer using the QR code on the flyer, email or call," she said, adding the same goes for concerned families, friends and teams.
In addition to the individual therapeutic work, MSAMHS Disaster Flood Team delivers workshops, training and supports for our community partners and first responders to disaster events.
 
Clinicians will deliver resilience building programs to number of schools (primary, high and flexi schools) across four activated Local Government Areas (Brisbane, Logan, Redland and Scenic Rim).
 
A range of activities and workshops for children, young people and adults are in planning and will be rolled out from January-February 2023.
 
If you want to learn more, please contact the team on MSAMHS-PostDisaster-Recovery@health.qld.gov.au or call 3089 4156.
The Disaster Flood Team is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Category C.