In the wake of a crisis or environmental disaster in Queensland, Lifeline is there to help people deal with trauma and cope with grief and loss.
At the request of authorities and community leaders, the Lifeline Community Recovery team will visit a community to provide mental health support and psychological first aid in the weeks and months after bushfires, floods, drought, cyclones, pandemics and tragedy. We support people as they work through shock and begin to come to grips with their experiences.
This process takes time. We often continue to support communities in the years following a crisis, in partnership with other services. Our Community Recover team can assist people in accessing longer-term supports.
The Lifeline disasters hotline is a dedicated confidential support service available for people affected by disasters who need emotional support. Call 1800 116 671 Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm to speak with experienced and qualified disaster specialist staff. Outside those hours, contact the 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Line for help. Affected residents can also receive face-to-face support at Community Recovery Hubs operating in disaster zones.
People we supportWe support people who are directly and indirectly affected by an event. This includes:
The Community Recovery team is here to help communities face the future together. The Community Recovery team has been supporting Queensland communities since the Townsville Black Hawk helicopter disaster in 1996. We continue to respond through our trained staff and network of services across the state.
The Community Recovery team consists of crisis support officers, with a wide range of experience and expertise, including:
Our team also encompasses volunteers, including crisis supporters from Lifeline’s 13 11 14 Crisis Support Line and the 13YARN crisis line.
We also develop relationships with local partner agencies and local governments who manage evacuation centres during events to ensure we provide co-ordinated community support services.
If you would like to work for the team as a Community Recovery Crisis Support Officer, please complete our Expressions of Interest form below.
Enquire nowHave you recently experienced a community disaster, trauma, or loss? The following resources provide practical information on how to prepare for and cope with the effects and experiences brought on by crisis or natural disasters. Still feel stuck? Call our 24/7 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support Line.
Lifeline Queensland offers in-depth training to equip you with the skills to support yourself and your community in times of crisis.
Develop skills to respond to those in distress after critical events and natural disasters.
Learn how to support someone immediately following a disaster or critical event until professional help is available.
Gain the skills to provide an intervention with friends, family members and colleagues who are at risk of suicidal thoughts.
Lifeline Corporate Training provides more training courses for workplaces and the public.
If you would like to join the team as a Crisis Support Officer, please complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.