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Thom Calma: I’m Thom an NDIS Provider.

Lex Tan: And I’m Lex an NDIS Participant.

Today we’ll tell you about some practical steps you can take after an emergency or disaster has occurred to support you to get your life back on track.

We’ll also talk about how a resilient mindset can make a difference.

Thom Calma: After experiencing an event like a bushfire, flood or the COVID 19 pandemic, it’s natural to feel like you have less control in your life than usual.

Lex Tan: Disaster and emergency events can be unsettling and scary, but it’s important to keep positive and to remind yourself that you can cope and that you will be okay one way or another.

Thoma Calma: NDIS Providers are there to support NDIS Participants through these uncertain times, and together there are many things that we can do to make recovery go as well as possible.

So in the first instance, talk to your provider, but remember, local councils and community organisations are also there to help.

At every stage of an emergency or disaster resilience is key.

This means being able to adapt to changing situations and to bounce back from difficulties that are faced.

Lex Tan: So, wondering what you can do to become more resilient and ready to cope?

The first step is to get your thinking right.

This means telling yourself that you’re okay to ‘go with the flow’ so that when unexpected things happen, you’ll be able to keep calm and take action.

Remember taking four slow, deep breaths is a good starting point for clearer thinking.

Thom Calma: And clearer thinking also helps people to get organised and prepare for emergency and disaster events and the recovery that follows.

Writing a list of actions to take is a great thing you can do to feel more in control of a stressful and unpredictable event.

Whether it’s part of your emergency plan or something that you do during recovery to get back on track.

A to-do list is important.

Lex Tan: When I’m feeling stress or overwhelmed, I find it really helpful to write out what actions I need to take to improve the situation.

It’s also important that I stay connected with my support people, whether that’s family, friends, neighbours or my NDIS Provider.

Thom Calma: Sometimes a self check-in is a good way to tell if you’re in need of support or a chat.

To do this, simply ask yourself how you’re feeling.

If the answer is you’re not feeling great or not feeling like yourself, then that’s a sign that you should reach out to someone who can help.

Lex Tan: Sometimes NDIS Providers might also do a check-in with you, which includes making sure you have all the information you need at that time.

If you’re needing serious assistance with recovery, they can help put you in touch with national Coordination and Planning Officers and more local services.

The Recovery Connect website may also be of assistance.

Thom Calma: So, calm and positive thinking, being organised and informed and staying connected and seeking support are the practical things you can do to aid your recovery from an emergency or disaster event.

Lex Tan: And remember, becoming more resilient is the key to all of these things.

Resilience is a skill we can all build individually and together.