General News
16 March, 2025
Free mental health support for Grampians
Beyond Blue had issued a reminder to residents and small business owners affected by the recent Grampians bushfires that free mental health support is available for anyone.
Beyond Blue’s CEO Georgie Harman said bushfires could affect many aspects of people's lives.
“Accessing support after a bushfire or other natural disaster doesn’t stop at restoring property or reopening businesses," Ms Harman said.
"It's vital to get your mental health back on track too."
Research undertaken by the Climate Council and Beyond Blue has revealed that more than half (51 per cent) of people who experienced extreme weather events since 2019 say their mental health has been impacted.
“The devastating fires in the Grampians region have had an impact not only on the natural environment and wildlife but on many residents and small business owners in the region,” Ms Harman said.
Extreme weather events and natural disasters can affect every aspect of someone's life, including social, economic, physical and mental wellbeing.
It's normal to experience intense stress reactions to an extreme weather event.
struggling due to the decrease in visitors to the region during the busiest holiday season," Ms Harman said.
provide coping strategies and get them back on track."
exhaustion or an inability to focus.
Ms Harman said for most people these effects could resolve themselves over time but it was still important to seek support if feelings persisted for more than a few weeks.
"If people act sooner and get support earlier, it can help prevent problems becoming bigger and more entrenched," she said.
Free support is available over the phone and online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the Beyond Blue Support Service.
Call 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au.
Free mental health support for small business owners is also available through Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business program.
Using evidence-based, low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, the program offers small business owners up to six sessions working with a trained coach who has a background in small business.
Call 1300 945 301 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au/nasbo.