Phoenix Australia

Research Alert: Supporting Firefighter Mental Health We're proud to announce the publication of an impactful study conducted by our team, examining the effectiveness of an app-based mental health intervention for firefighters. Key findings: - The SOLAR-m app significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in firefighters after 8 weeks - Improvements were also seen in posttraumatic stress symptoms - Effects on depression persisted at 3-month follow-up This icare funded randomised controlled trial demonstrates the potential of digital interventions to support the mental health of those exposed to traumatic events in their line of work. Read the full paper to learn more about how we're working to protect those who protect us. https://bit.ly/3XSXrmI iCare Fire and Rescue NSW #MentalHealth #Firefighters #OccupationalHealth #PTSD

One week to go! Join us online for our next Community of Practice on how family therapy can support trauma recovery in emergency workers and their loved ones. Featuring: • Maria Nichterlein (Psychologist & Family Therapist) • Kris Bobetic (Ambulance Victoria, Peer Support) Hear insights from both clinical and lived experience perspectives, including the challenges families face when a loved one in emergency services is struggling. Date: 1 Dec 2025 Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm Location: Online Don’t miss out: https://bit.ly/3XS79FP Please note: You will need to create a free MHPN account to register and attend. #ResponderAssist #PhoenixAustralia #MHPN #TraumaRecovery #FamilyTherapy #EmergencyWorkers

There is unequivocally #NoExcuse for gender-based violence. Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, serving as both a powerful call to action and a stark reminder that violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation globally. The statistics are devastating: almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their life. This pervasive violence continues to be a profound obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace, and the fulfilment of women's and girls’ human rights around the globe. The lasting solution lies in robust, immediate responses, including essential long-term investment in prevention strategies. During this year’s #16Days of Activism and beyond, we must recognise the vital, grassroots role women’s organisations play in providing life-saving local services, strengthening women’s empowerment, and reaching those most at risk of being left behind. To learn more about how you can support prevention and services, including those addressing gender-based violence and trauma, visit our website. #GenderBasedViolence #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #TraumaSupport #ProtectWomen #WomensRights

What kinds of interventions will you provide as a disaster unfolds? Health practitioners, health professional groups, governments and other organisations increasingly recognise that there are interventions that can be provided during and immediately after a disaster to help support the psychological wellbeing of individuals and communities – these are known as Level 1 interventions. As health practitioners, we can enhance our ability to meet the mental health needs of disaster-impacted individuals in a timely fashion by using interventions such as Psychological First Aid (or PFA)- simple psychological strategies designed to address transient psychosocial difficulties. PFA sits within a stepped-care approach to the provision of mental health services and is considered a Level 1 intervention, best implemented as a disaster unfolds and in its aftermath. PFA involves the timely provision of meaningful information and practical support to disaster-impacted individuals, and can be offered by a range of practitioners – training as a mental health professional is not necessary. Watch this video to understand more about the principles that underpin the use of psychological first aid. For information visit our Mental Health Disaster Hub https://lnkd.in/gCYzGMF #Trauma #MentalHealthMatters #PsychologicalFirstAid #Support #PhoenixAustralia

Victorians with PTSD: Contribute to Crucial Research. Seeking treatment for PTSD? Find out more about the DECODE trial at the University of Melbourne. We offer cost free, intensive treatment for Victorians with PTSD. Eligible participants have daily evidence-based telehealth psychotherapy sessions for two weeks. By participating, you are directly contributing to the development of more effective, evidence-based treatments that will benefit future generations of Australians. Ready to take the next step? Express interest today. https://bit.ly/3HF6MK5 Enquiries: phoenix-decode@unimelb.edu.au #ptsd #mentalhealth #research #victoriansupport #evidencebasedcare

International Men's Day: Challenging the Culture of Silence Today marks International Men's Day, a crucial time to acknowledge and address the unique struggles faced by men and boys. The reality is stark: high rates of suicide and workplace fatalities, coupled with societal pressures that hinder emotional expression. These challenges require our immediate focus and compassion. Phoenix Australia does a significant amount of work within male-dominated, high-risk industries like policing and with military veterans. We understand the unspoken rules that can make it difficult for men in these fields to seek help. As our Co Director Responder Assist - Centre of Excellence for Emergency Worker Mental Health, Tim Peck said: “In high risk industries like policing, we inherit unspoken rules about how men should cope. Real strength comes from choosing which parts of the culture we align with - and which parts we’re willing to challenge or let go.” Today, we are committed to helping to break the stigma and fostering open, honest conversations about men's mental and physical health. We believe that culture is not static and that individuals have a choice in shaping the environment they work within. How You Can Take Action Today: Your support makes a difference. • Check in on the men in your life. Send a text, call a mate, or share a coffee. A simple conversation could make a profound difference to someone today. • Learn more. Take a few minutes to visit the official IMD website to deepen your understanding of men's health challenges and find support resources. https://bit.ly/48Xhx3R • Support organisations like Phoenix Australia that are dedicated to trauma and mental health recovery, creating better outcomes for men across the country. We have developed specific cultural competency training for clinicians to better understand the conflicts that members face in high-risk industries. Together, we can build a healthier, more supportive future for every man and boy. #InternationalMensDay #MensHealth #PhoenixAustralia #IMD2025 #CulturalCompetency #MensHealthChampions #MentalHealth #HighRiskIndustries

Worried about an emergency worker in your life? If you’re close to an emergency worker, you often spot the early signs first – changes in sleep, mood, or how much they withdraw after a shift. You may not know what to say, but doing nothing can leave them feeling even more alone. The Responder Assist Clinic offers independent and confidential, specialist mental health support for current and former emergency workers in Victoria. You can help by: • Gently naming what you’re noticing • Sharing our clinic details as an option • Reassuring them support is confidential Learn more or refer: https://bit.ly/3u1MdgW Or call 1800 329 191 to explore options. Note: Responder Assist Clinic is not a crisis service. For urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Leading into high-risk disaster season, anticipatory anxiety is a common and valid response. For leaders and community members alike, robust psychological preparedness is a critical component of preparing for the season ahead. Our free tip sheet focuses on an evidence-informed approach for anticipating your reactions and providing strategies to manage them so you can better cope in the event of a disaster. Integrate this mental health planning into your physical preparations now. Download the resource: https://bit.ly/4fUJQCk National Emergency Management Agency Emergency Recovery Victoria #DisasterPreparedness #MentalHealth #DisasterMentalHealthHub #PhoenixAustralia

Honouring Service and Sustaining Wellbeing: Remembrance Day 2025 On this solemn Remembrance Day, Phoenix Australia pays tribute to the distinguished service of all Australian veterans, their families, and the enduring legacy of their sacrifice. For many, today brings significant reflection. We recognise that the journey beyond service requires ongoing support. Phoenix Australia remains dedicated to improving the wellbeing of veterans and their families through building the evidence for treatments that work, training health providers and strengthening service systems. If you are supporting a veteran or know someone who requires access to expert care: • Connect: https://bit.ly/3A83cBz • Share: Please share our resources with your professional and personal networks. Learn more about trauma recovery pathways: https://bit.ly/2rihFKQ

Imagine being on a never-ending treadmill — feeling stuck, weighed down by fear, sadness, guilt, or anger. For many emergency workers, that’s what living with the aftermath of trauma can feel like. But you don’t have to stay stuck. With the right support, recovery and renewal are possible. Watch this short video to learn practical strategies for understanding trauma and taking the first steps toward healing. Because when it comes to your mental health, doing nothing is not an option. Find more resources, guidance, and specialist support designed specifically for emergency workers at Responder Assist. https://bit.ly/4ot98Mw