Amber Community Major Incident Response Support Session
Community support session following a major road incident
Amber Community is offering a free online support session for adults affected by the road incident in Wangaratta on Monday 19 October, in which Dr Helen Haines MP was seriously injured. Our thoughts are with Helen, her family and friends, and everyone who has been impacted.
An event like this can affect many people: those who were there, those who helped, people for whom this incident has brought up memories of their own experience, and the wider Wangaratta community. In the days and weeks afterwards, it is common to feel shaken, overwhelmed or unsure of what to expect. There is no right or wrong way to feel.
This free online support session has been designed to provide practical strategies, reassurance and information for people and communities impacted by road incidents. Delivered by experienced Amber Community counsellors, the session focuses on simple techniques that many people find helpful during such times, while also providing information about available support services.
About Amber Community
Amber Community supports people affected by road incidents across Victoria through free counselling, support and education services.
This session draws on our experience working with individuals, families and communities impacted by road incidents and has been developed to provide practical support when it is needed most.
What to expect
During this supportive online session, participants will:
- Hear about common reactions people may experience following a distressing event.
- Practise simple breathing and grounding strategies that can help reduce stress and support wellbeing.
- Receive information about support services and options for further assistance if needed.
- Learn briefly about Amber Community and how we support people affected by road incidents.
The session focuses on practical support, reassurance and strategies that participants can take away and use in everyday life
How the session is delivered
This online session is facilitated by two experienced Amber Community counsellors.
Participants will be able to view the presenters and presentation slides, but attendees will not be visible to one another. This helps create a comfortable and supportive environment for participation.
Participants are welcome to engage in a way that feels comfortable for them, including simply listening and taking part in the guided strategies.
Who is this session for?
This session is for adults (18 years and over) affected by the incident in Wangaratta, including:
- people who witnessed or helped at the scene
- emergency services and other responders
- family, friends and colleagues of those involved
- members of the Wangaratta and surrounding communities
- people for whom this incident has brought up memories of their own experiences.
While some of the strategies discussed may also be helpful for supporting children and young people, the session is intended for adult participants only.
Session details
Format: Online
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Two experienced Amber Community counsellors
Available sessions:
Friday 6 November at 9:30am (no longer available)
Monday 9 November at 3:30pm
Wednesday 11 November at 1pm
Resources: Participants will receive information about support services, helpful resources and pathways to further support.
Register here to attend the session
Important information
This session is intended to provide general information, reassurance and practical strategies to support wellbeing following a major road incident.
The session is not counselling, therapy or crisis support. If you would like personalised support, Amber Community offers free counselling services for people affected by road incidents.
If you require immediate assistance, please contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service.