The HIPPY Bushfire Trauma Package

BSL leads the Australian HIPPY network of 100 sites and delivers HIPPY in four Melbourne communities.

With bushfires and a pandemic, our HIPPY communities across Australia have appreciated BSL's efforts in relation to supporting children and families experiencing trauma.

Our providers were offered a training resource package to assist staff to support families who have experienced the trauma of bushfires and later on, digital delivery advice and strategies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The package helped home tutors to understand the impact of trauma and the strategies strengthened family relationships and enhanced community connection despite the hardship of COVID-19 lockdown.

We have been told our support has meant a lot to these communities. It confirmed that the wider HIPPY network was (and is) thinking of them.

In 2020, the HIPPY network has rallied to overcome many challenges, supported each other and worked to ensure the safety of children and families. The Network made sure that HIPPY children were not missing out on vital early learning opportunities and that parents and carers continued to apply HIPPY principles in remote learning environments.