Young bushfire survivors 'at risk'

4 Feb 2010, 7:34 pm   -   Source: AAP/SBS
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Experts say the run-up to the anniversary of Black Saturday will be traumatic for young bushfire survivors (SBS)

Experts say the run-up to the anniversary of Black Saturday will be traumatic for young bushfire survivors (SBS)

Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry says young people affected by the Black Saturday bushfires may experience nightmares as the anniversary approaches.

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Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry says young people affected by the Black Saturday bushfires may experience nightmares or become withdrawn as the anniversary of the disaster approaches.

Professor McGorry said young survivors of the fires could be hit by traumatic memories or relive their experiences of February 7.

"They might have bad dreams or nightmares, they might become more withdrawn," said Professor McGorry.

He said young people could prepare for the emotional impact of the anniversary by talking to people and sharing how they were feeling.

Professor McGorry's National Youth Mental Health Foundation has launched an online forum for young people still struggling in the aftermath of last year's bushfires.

Survivors dealing with loss, devastation

The Your Bushfire Space website, run by the foundation's headspace project, will give youth the chance to share their stories and feelings with others, as well and contact social workers for advice.

The site aims to create a sense of community for 12- to 25-year-olds as they share their experiences, the headspace group says.

The first anniversary of Black Saturday, when 173 people across Victoria were killed by the worst fires in the nation's history, is this Sunday.

Chris Tanti, CEO of headspace, says many young people are still dealing with the loss and devastation they experienced on that day.

"We want all young people who need support to get support regardless of where they live," he said in a statement.

The headspace initiative follows the announcement on Wednesday by Lifeline Australia of an online forum for Black Saturday bushfire survivors.

 

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