Our Strong Minds in the Early Years program worked directly with families, educators and young children to help children recover, reduce the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder and thrive post-floods. The program started in August 2022 and concluded in November 2023.
Over 600 children, 192 educators and 50 family members were supported through this initiative. A robust evaluation demonstrated significant improvements in every domain measured for the children, families and educators involved.
Strong Minds used a play therapy approach to build the children’s resilience, develop calming strategies and identify feelings to assist them to overcome the physiological and emotional impacts of the trauma. It also upskilled educators in identifying and supporting children’s flood-related trauma.
This program was funded by the Department of Communities and Justice NGO Flood Support Program.
