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New program helping victims of crime to recover
Since its August launch, selectability’s recovery support program is already delivering benefits to victims of crime across Townsville.
The new program, a first of its kind in the state, was developed for victims of property crimes such as burglary, break and enter, unlawful use of motor vehicles or witnesses to critical incidents or fatal traffic crashes.
selectability Mental Health Hub Coordinator Rebecca Paterson said the program was designed to build a community of resilient people with good mental health and wellbeing.
“After becoming a victim of crime or witness to a critical incident the program can help individuals understand signs of post-traumatic stress while learning strategies to improve their own mental wellbeing,” said Rebecca.
“The program is delivered in two parts. The first is a structured four-week program to help individuals build resilience and develop strategies to improve their mental wellbeing.
“This is complemented by one-on-one counselling, so depending on their own needs, an individual may choose one or both options.”
Rebecca said throughout the program there had been some amazing success stories, including a woman who had been involved in a serious incident.
“This woman could no longer attend her work, was unable to go into the shops by herself, was sleeping poorly and was not finding any enjoyment in life,” said Rebecca.
“In her words she had isolated herself from the world and was just going through the motions.
“After two sessions she came to the program and said ‘the course and therapy are both worth doing. Every person is worth finding the better version of themselves. With my counsellor’s help I have been able to do that. I am no longer stuck.’”
selectability’s recovery support program will resume again in the new year with the first program starting on Tuesday 1 February running from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
Topics covered:
- Safety awareness (crime and how to keep yourself safe) – delivered by (Queensland Police Service) - first Tuesday of the month
- Recognising the signs of post trauma stress - second Tuesday of the month
- Looking after yourself (self-care) - third Tuesday of the month
- Where to next- (support services in the community) - fourth Tuesday of the month
USEFUL LINKS
selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
