Australian Psychological Society (APS) - Disaster Response Network (DRN)

As the peak body for psychologists, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recognises the importance of supporting those who assist communities throughout Australia in times of crisis and great distress. The Disaster Response Network (DRN) is a national volunteer network of APS psychologists who have completed disaster training to provide support to staff and volunteers in highly stressful or demanding roles in response to climate disasters, emergencies, and other community events.

Guided by the Australian National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy and the Australian National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, using natural hazards and other research, the DRN targets frontline and emergency workers who work with vulnerable population groups in geographical areas identified as being heavily impacted by disasters, disaster prone, or with low disaster resilience. The DRN provides support to workers through independent wellbeing checks, psychoeducational wellbeing support sessions, and skills training.

The DRN reviews current knowledge and produces resources for psychologists, frontline workers, and the community which enhance knowledge of disaster psychology. Resources aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the population through education and skills building, as well as health professionals working in disaster contexts.

Supporting the following commitments

• Commitment 1: Conduct climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessments (V&As) at population level and/or health care facility level.

• Commitment 2: Develop a health national adaptation plan (HNAP) informed by the health V&A, which forms part of the National Adaptation Plan.

• Commitment 3: Use the V&A and HNAP to facilitate access to climate change funding for health.

Country experience:

Australia: Commitment 1

Links:

Site in English: psychology.org.au/disaster-response-network