Riverland locals affected by the River Murray flooding can now access free mental health and wellbeing support from Mind Australia. 

People impacted by the floods can get fast access to support by attending the Chaffey Community Centre in Renmark, or by calling Mind’s Customer Service team on 1300 286 463. 

Funded by the South Australian Government’s $1 million SA Flood Mental Health Response package, support from Mind includes: 

  • support to reduce psychological distress 
  • peer support and counselling services 
  • help accessing emergency relief, financial assistance and other support systems. 

Brett Williams, Mind’s General Manager for South Australia, said Mind’s support will focus on both the immediate and future needs of people in the Riverland. 

“Quite often in these situations people can feel overwhelmed. There is a lot of assistance available, but if people are feeling overwhelmed then navigating through those supports can be difficult,” Mr Williams said, speaking on ABC Riverland Radio. 

“This flood response through Mind’s mental health program will provide that support coordination and system navigation that helps people to connect with the right supports. 

“In this period after the event people are dealing with that immediate sense of loss, grief, uncertainty and hopelessness, so having access to immediate mental health support in that initial phase is really important. 

Mind’s team of community mental health practitioners and peer support workers will provide flexible psychosocial support to suit individual needs. This can include single solution-focused support sessions, regular ongoing support or access to group-based support services. Support can be provided by telephone, in person at the Chaffey Community Centre, or by the support worker coming to your home.  

Psychosocial supports help people who are experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues to manage their daily activities, rebuild and maintain social connections, and participate fully in the community. These are supports which help people take positive steps in their recovery journey. 

If you would like more information about Mind, please contact us via Mind Connect or phone: 1300 286 463.  

If this article raises immediate concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.