Self care following the Bourke Street tragedy

Like all Victorians, we at ADAVB are all feeling shock and sadness about the events of last Friday at Bourke Street – and no doubt this event will affect us all in different ways for some time to come.

We grieve for all the victims and their families and friends. We think about those injured and send out hopes for their recovery. We also feel gratitude for the many who assisted the victims.

While we feel for others, it is important that all of us attend to our own attempts to make sense of this tragedy and take care of ourselves as well. Those who may require support can contact:

• ADA Member Assistance Program on 1300 361 008 (available for ADA members)
• Victim Support Helpline on 1800 819 891 (available 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week; they will refer people for face-to-face support if needed)
• Your local community health service, which should have counsellors available for face-to-face support

People who were witnesses and wish to report this to the police should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 333.

Further information can be found on the Better Health Channel:

·       Trauma reaction and recovery

·       Trauma and children: tips for parents

·       Trauma and teenagers: tips for parents