VFBV

During these difficult times, it is extremely important that you look after yourself, and your fellow peers.

While emotions are running high, it is now more important than ever to support one another, and be kind to one another. Show compassion and empathy for those you interact with, and act with honour and respect. We would urge members not to resign, we joined to protect our communities, and our communities still rely on us.

We will stand together, and we will stand up against the contempt and bullying behaviour that some pursuing. We need you to stand with us, shoulder to shoulder, and stand up for our communities and each other. Don’t desert them, we are all that is left to stand up for our communities and the fire services we know they deserve.

If you believe you are experiencing bullying or harassment, or you are being subjected to unfair treatment or repercussions as in individual or a Brigade, you are urged to report this through CFA’s dedicated and independent hotline.

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is managed by an independent external team.

The hotline number is 1800 795 075.

All callers are treated with dignity and respect – there will be no judgement about the information they are providing. Each call is managed confidentially, with the consent of the caller helping to determine the way the report is best managed.

This also a good opportunity to remind members of the following services available to all CFA members in addition to the newly announced Hotline.

Emergency contacts

If your query is urgent or you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, you should seek immediate assistance using one of the contacts below:

CFA Member assistance program

Access to psychologists and counsellors who can provide support to members and their families in managing the impacts on their psychological health and safety.

Phone 1300 795 711 (24 hours)

Lifeline

Lifeline provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Phone 13 11 14 (24 hours)

Non-urgent contacts

CFA has a number of services available to members and their families to deal with non-urgent issues:

Member assistance program

Access to psychologists and counsellors who can provide support to members and their families in managing the impacts on their psychological health and safety.

Phone 1300 795 711 (24 hours)

Peer support program

CFA Peers are trained to provide Psychological First Aid following Potentially Traumatic Events, one on one support and links to other services for members and their families.

Phone your local Peer Coordinator. A complete listing of all peers by District can be found at; http://cfaonline.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=publicDisplayDoc&docId=017975

Chaplaincy program

Chaplains are allocated on a district basis. They provide pastoral care to members and their families including spiritual, physical, psychological and emotional care. Support is not limited to a faith.

Chaplains can also be contacted directly. Contact your local CFA office for more details.

Phone 1800 337 068 (24 hours)

Wellbeing pilot program

Experienced Field Officers are available to work with brigades and Districts to manage mental health and relationship issues by providing:

Coaching and guidance to resolve relationship issues

Mental health promotion and education

Mediation, conciliation, group based negotiation

Phone 92628409 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please look after yourselves and each other.