EML has pledged $100,000 to support health providers in bushfire affected areas to provide trauma-informed care to the community.
“Our people were moved by what they saw during the recent bushfires and rallied to raise more than $15,000 in January through cake stalls, straight donations and other activities,” Chief Executive Mark Coyne said.
EML matched the contribution from our staff and then through our mutuality and member benefit funding provided an additional $70,000 that will help support the establishment of a specialised project.
“We have a great team and were inspired by their commitment,” Mr Coyne said.
EML CE Mark Coyne (fourth from left) and National Member Benefits Manager Elisa Hitchens (to Mark's left) with some of the EML team who raised funds.
“They work with people impacted by traumatic incidents every day, so they understand the need.
This is our way of building community resilience because trauma can take many years to emerge and be complex to treat,” Mr Coyne said.
The mutual, which celebrates 110 years of service this year, is partnering with not-for-profit Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health to provide funding for community-based mental health support.
“We have worked very closely with Phoenix Australia previously to train psychologists in Trauma-Focussed Therapy, deliver the Recovery after Trauma booklets for emergency services personnel, and have developed resources to support Police members going through a career transition,” EML National Member Benefits Manager Elisa Hitchens said.
“The Recovery after Trauma Guides are already being offered as resources to bushfire affected communities.
“We know that this additional funding will go to where it’s needed.”
“These funds will be critical in supporting our work to help health providers, emergency service workers and community members affected by the fires,” Director of Phoenix Australia Professor David Forbes said.
“Best practice trauma-informed support for the community is essential in the coming weeks and months to prevent the development of ongoing and serious mental health repercussions, which can occur after a disaster like the fires. We are very grateful to EML and their staff for their generous donation towards this important work.”
Phoenix Australia is the national centre of excellence in posttraumatic mental health and a not-for-profit organisation internationally recognised for their research, policy and training programs. They work with individuals, organisations and the community to understand, prevent and promote recovery from the adverse effects of trauma.
“EML is really proud of the work that it’s already undertaken helping people impacted by trauma, particularly in the police and emergency services portfolios,” Mr Coyne said.
“This is a natural extension of the work that we have already done in this area, and with Phoenix Australia.
I’m so proud of our team which is committed to helping people get their lives back.”