Bushfire Counselling and Support Service wins at Gippsland Primary Health Awards
We are pleased to share that along with our partners, Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV), Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria (RFDS) has won the Integration & Partnerships category at the 2020 Gippsland Primary Health Awards. This award acknowledges our collaborative work in delivering the Bushfire Counselling and Support Service to communities across East Gippsland.
The Gippsland Primary Health Awards has been developed by Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) and aims to recognise and honour individuals and teams who work together to bring better health to the Gippsland region.
RFDS and RAV formed a partnership in a year full of challenges. working together, and funded by Gippsland PHN, RFDS and RAV have ensured mental health and wellbeing support was provided to individuals, families and frontline personnel who were affected by the East Gippsland bushfires. The Bushfire Counselling and Support Service was established in February 2020 and eight mental health clinicians were recruited to cover the region. A collaborative intake and referral process was developed to ensure a streamlined process for community members and referrers. Each partner has used their local knowledge and partnerships across the region to ensure that mental health and wellbeing support has been available to those who need it.
“Through a challenging year, we have learnt the strength of partnerships in supporting community wellbeing. Together, RFDS and RAV have been able to support more than 400 clients and deliver more than 2000 appointments. Thank you to the RAV for their collaborative spirit,” said Lauren Zappa, Health Services Manager.
RFDS also congratulates Integration and Partnerships category joint winners, Wellways NewAccess Team.
