Young people in the Northern Rivers will continue to benefit from disaster recovery health and wellbeing support with the extension of the Resilient Kids program’s counselling, therapeutic services and community support until early 2026 at a cost of $1.3 million.
In recognition of the mental health impacts of Ex-Cyclone Alfred, the Australian Government has extended the counselling and therapeutic support component of the Resilient Kids program to early 2026.
The North Coast of NSW is one of the highest disaster-declared regions in the country for frequency and severity across all three measures of fire, flood and storm.
Resilient Kids has reached 7,482 young people through a range of activities, such as individual and group therapy, schools-based education, activities to support social and emotional wellbeing and connection, and a parent and carer program, since its launch in 2023.
The program supports children and young people recovering from trauma, reducing long-term impacts of natural disasters and building resilience. Since the program started, Social Futures (with their partners, The Family Centre and Human Nature Therapy) have supported:
- 7,482 young people in total
- 881 young Aboriginal people
- 660 neurodiverse young people
- 678 parents and carers
The Aboriginal Strong Community Program, delivered by Lives Lived Well, has also provided support to 713 children and young people, with participants having an average wellbeing improvement score of 80%.
Resilient Kids is funded through a $10 million grant from the Australian Government through the National Emergency Management Agency, originally as a result of the 2022 Northern Rivers floods. Now, counselling and other therapeutic services will be extended after the effects of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The extension allows Resilient Kids to continue operating three Wellbeing Hubs delivered by Social Futures, in Casino, Kyogle and Mullumbimby for 8 to 18 year-olds and their families. Outreach will continue in smaller and underserviced communities around the Northern Rivers.
Other elements of the Resilient Kids program will end in June 2025 as per the original program term.
More information on Resilient Kids can be found at hnc.org.au/resilient-kids or socialfutures.org.au/resilient-kids.
Additional info:
Examples of the great programs that have been co-designed with young people include therapeutic painting workshops in local schools and targeted programs for neurodiverse young people.
Quotes:
Quotes attributable Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
”People in the Northern Rivers often talk to me about the impact the flooding in 2022 has had on children and young people.
“Last week in Lismore I had the chance to hear directly about the great work that Resilient Kids has been doing with almost 7,500 Northern Rivers young people. The workers told me about the coping skills young people were demonstrating, as well as the importance of connecting young people to additional support services when they need it.
“The Albanese Government is extending its funding to the Resilient Kids program so this work can continue – building resilience in our next generation. We are particularly pleased that this funding will allow the Wellbeing Hubs to assist with the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”
Quotes attributable to Monika Wheeler, CEO Healthy North Coast:
“We’re thrilled to extend the Resilient Kids program, ensuring that young people across our region can continue to get the support they need to navigate life’s challenges. After the natural disasters that our region has experienced in the past, we know that building resilience and strengthening mental health is more important than ever. This extension means more local kids will have access to vital services, helping them feel supported, empowered, and ready to face the future with confidence.”
Quotes attributable to psychologist Simone Silberberg, General Manager Mental Health & Wellbeing at Social Futures:
“The extension of the Resilient Kids program’s counselling services is fantastic news for 8-18 year olds across the Northern Rivers in the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Our counsellors and program workers are seeing a lot of young participants experiencing escalated mental health needs, and we are providing tailored individual support which is so critical during this time.”
Pictured above (L-R): Shoshannah Oks – Program Manager – Resilient Kids at Social Futures, Sophie Boyle – Senior Manager, Healthy and Resilient Children and Young People at Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler – CEO Healthy North Coast, Simone Silberberg – Psychologist and General Manager Mental Health & Wellbeing at Social Futures, Jenny McAllister – Minister for Emergency Management, Janelle Saffin – Member for Lismore, Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Cassie Primmer – Chief Operating Officer at Social Futures
