Grief, trauma and critical incidents
Grief describes how a person feels after the loss of someone or something that is very important to them.
The grief experienced from a loss affects the whole person, including their mind, spirit, and body, as well as the relationships they have with other people. Trauma occurs when someone has had a distressing or overwhelming experience, with intense pain, stress, fear, or helplessness.
Major adverse natural events, such as an earthquakes, bushfires or floods can have wide-reaching impacts on mental health and wellbeing.
Natural disasters can have a significant impact on both individuals and communities, as these events – and circumstances which may follow – are often traumatic. Children and young people are especially vulnerable to the emotional impacts and often rely on adults around them to provide support, information and protection.
Critical incidents, such as suicide, can have an immediate and traumatic impact on a learning community.
For information about responding to a suicide or planning a response in the event of a suicide, visit the Suicide Prevention and Response page.
Grief
1 Module
We all grieve. For children and young people, understanding and expressing their grief can be particularly hard.
Psychological first aid
2 Modules
Psychological first aid is based on 5 principles that aim to support recovery in the immediate aftermath of an emergency.
Trauma
2 Modules
Trauma is the result of an event that can cause a child or young person to feel pushed beyond their ability to cope.
Trauma-informed strategies for educators
2 Modules
Promoting connection and rebuilding trust and safety are at the core of trauma-informed approaches.
The impact of trauma on babies and toddlers
2 Modules
Understand regulation and notice signs of trauma in babies and toddlers exposed to a traumatic event.
The impact of trauma on children and young people
1 Module
Understand regulation and notice signs of trauma in children and young people exposed to a traumatic event.
The role of early learning services in supporting children after a traumatic event
2 Modules
Your service's relationships and routines provide a sense of safety for babies and toddlers after a traumatic event.
The role of schools in supporting students after a traumatic event
2 Modules
Your school's relationships and routines provide a sense of safety for students after a traumatic event.
Disaster preparedness
2 Modules
Learning communities are well-placed to support children and young people to prepare for disasters.
Educator wellbeing after a natural disaster
2 Modules
Looking after yourself in the event of a natural disaster is the first step to providing support to those around you.
Supporting children and young people affected by grief
2 Modules
Children and young people can need lots of reassurance and support to help them come to terms with a major loss.