The 'endurance phase' after a disaster is a crucial part of the psychological recovery process and The Salvation Army is releasing this specially compiled DVD, Still Standing, plus launching a new website, stillstanding.org.au, as tools to assist those impacted by the floods and cyclone.
The Still Standing DVD features Australia's leading trauma psychologist, Dr Rob Gordon, offering advice for adults and children on coping with post disaster trauma. The DVD also tells the stories of three Australians who have survived devastating natural disasters - including bushfires, tsunami and cyclone - who offer hope by sharing how they have endured and are still standing.
The Salvation Army will distribute the DVDs in the next few weeks.
Still Standing was launched nationally in Brisbane on Monday 5 December at 10.30am. Speakers will include head of The Salvation Army's flood recovery response, Major Paul Moulds; Thredbo landslide survivor Stuart Diver (a long time Salvos' supporter); Barry Medwin (who lost his wife and daughter in the Ash Wednesday fire of 1983) and Marianne Coady (who lost her home and business in Cyclone Larry in 2006).
One of the crucial messages the Salvos are seeking to reinforce is that people should not be afraid to ask for help, especially during the vital 'endurance phase' of recovery after a disaster.
"The Queensland disasters earlier this year devastated many communities. So many people lost so much. It was one of the state's darkest hours," said The Salvation Army's Major Paul Moulds.
"We are now nearly a year down the track. What can happen after a tragedy on this scale is that some people feel they have been forgotten. Thousands of people are still on a long journey of rebuilding homes, but for many there is another equally challenging task of rebuilding confidence and feelings of security."
"This new DVD will remind people there is a way through these feelings and experiences. It's a practical resource that offers advice and information to assist in the process of moving forward."
"Still Standing will be of help to many people. It tells the inspiring stories of three courageous Australians who were deeply affected by natural disasters, experienced terrible heart-breaking loss, but have found a way to be 'still standing'," said Major Moulds.
Psychologist Dr Rob Gordon talks on the DVD about the different phases of recovery. He points out that one of the greatest dangers in the phases following the initial disaster is that relationships may suffer as people may be focused on rebuilding a house at the expense of maintaining healthy relationships. He said: "What people need to take care of most of all is what they can't replace - their marriage, their relationship with their children, their health, their recreational activities, their career, their connection to their community, their friendship networks - because these are the things that enable us to have an enjoyable life … we can then replace our houses as we can."
After surviving the Thredbo landslide which claimed the lives of 18 people in 1997, Stuart Diver knows what it's like to be on the long road of emotional recovery and he knows the importance of reaching out for help.
"The Thredbo landslide changed my life forever. It was miraculous that I survived. After I was pulled from the rubble, The Salvation Army helped so much. I will never forget that. Counselling helped me in a huge way. I'm backing this DVD because people need to reach out and get help when they have been affected by tragedy," said Stuart Diver.
Still Standing producer Anna Rudd also gained a deep insight into the issues that those affected by disasters face.
"It was very moving to meet such incredible individuals. We know that some people don't reach out and they suffer in silence. Experts agree that it's always best to reach out, seek help and talk about what you've been through and what you're experiencing. There is always hope and that's really at the heart of Still Standing."
The Salvos have launched a complementary website, stillstanding.org.au, to give anyone affected by the disasters a chance to share their own stories of survival and endurance in online forums, further aiding the recovery process and strengthening community interaction. The website will also feature the full DVD for viewing online, along with a number of resources and links for further help.
Anyone may obtain a free copy of the DVD by going to stillstanding.org.au or calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).