Have you considered joining the Disaster Response Network?

Article summary:

• Joining the DRN is free and open to all fully registered APS member psychologists.
• Eligible members will be added on to the DRN after completing the free training Responding to Disasters (5 CPD hours). 
• DRN members get access to free disaster related CPD, valued at $500 
• They can also join a dedicated PsyCommunity channel to connect with like-minded peers. 
• Volunteer opportunities align with members' availability, with no fixed time commitment required. 

When disaster strikes – whether a climate-related or collective trauma event – psychologists can play a vital role in recovery. 

As APS CEO Dr Zena Burgess recently noted, Australia is heading into what could be a hotter-than-usual summer. With rising temperatures comes an increased risk of bushfires and severe weather events, all of which are situations that can have long-lasting psychological impacts on affected communities and the frontline workers who step up in the aftermath of an event. 

“Psychologists can play an important role in helping frontline workforces cope with the demands and distress caused by climate-related and collective trauma events,” says Dr Burgess.  

The APS Disaster Response Network (DRN) is a national network of psychologists who volunteer their time to support frontline and emergency service workers and volunteers throughout the preparation, response and recovery phases of disasters, emergencies and collective trauma events. 

DRN psychologists can provide independent wellbeing checks for individual workers and volunteers, group-based psychoeducational wellbeing sessions, or attend the scene of an event to offer support to those on the frontline.

“The work of the DRN is about helping the helpers – supporting frontline and emergency workforces to prepare for, respond to and recover from the psychological impacts of disasters.” 

Faces of the Disaster Response Network 

This short video explains how the DRN works and how psychologists can become involved in providing psychological support before, during and after events. 

“Over the years, the DRN has grown to a national network of over 900 psychologists who support workers and volunteers across healthcare services, emergency service providers, crisis centres, disaster recovery services, councils, neighbourhood centres and other not-for-profit organisations,” says Dr Burgess. 

How you can get involved 

Becoming a DRN psychologist offers a chance to contribute meaningfully when frontline workers need it most.  

If you’re a fully registered APS member psychologist, you can join the DRN by completing the free Responding to disasters training. Becoming a DRN psychologist provides you with opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteer work, exclusive access to a series of free CPD valued at $500, a dedicated PsyCommunity channel to connect with like-minded peers and resources to support you in your role.

“The DRN gives psychologists an opportunity to volunteer their time and use their valuable skills to support those who step up to help during some of Australia’s most challenging times,” says Dr Burgess. 

Be ready to help when it counts. Register for DRN training to take the first step toward joining the APS Disaster Response Network.