Blog - The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association

S3:E1 | Nicola Palfrey: How to Support Children & Families Affected by Disasters

Written by Brittany George | Feb 15, 2021 1:32:12 PM

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups during and after disastrous events.

Clinicians and educators that work with children during or after community trauma events are key to offering support and reducing the chances that children will have ongoing difficulties, however many are not sure how or what to do or say. Often, they too have been personally impacted by the events.

One woman committed to supporting these kids is this week’s podcast guest, Nicola Palfrey.

Nicola is a Clinical Psychologist and researcher who works clinically with children and families who have experienced significant adversity and trauma.

She is Director of the Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Grief & Loss Network at the ANU and a Project Lead for Emerging Minds: The National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health, an initiative to support workforces identify, assess and support children under 12 years who are at risk of experiencing mental illness.

Before we begin, I am also proud to announce that taking the reins for this week’s podcast is former Olympian, radio host, and our very own association ambassador, Libby Trickett.

Tune in as Libby and Nicola discuss how to effectively acknowledge and support children during and after community trauma events, the role of clinicians and educators in as well as the development of the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health’s Community Trauma Toolkit.