Finding Steady Ground

YACVic

Finding Steady Ground is a podcast where young people speak honestly about their experiences following disasters.  Created by the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters in partnership with Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, this podcast explores the experiences of young people navigating their mental health after disaster events.  Want to connect more with the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters and Phoenix Australia? Go to:  https://ypdcentre.org.au/   https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/ 

الحلقات

  1. ١٨ أغسطس

    Jay - Hope & Optimism

    Welcome to the first episode of Finding Steady Ground.   In this episode you'll meet Jay. She shares her story of navigating life after experiencing the 2026 Grampians bushfires and reflects on the months that followed. Jay speaks about how the disaster shaped her understanding of material things and that the most precious things to her - memories, relationships, her skills and personal growth – cannot be lost.  Joined by our hosts Alex Howard from Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, and Sarah Herzina a Centre of Excellence Youth Advisory Group member, they explore practical and emotional preparedness, post-traumatic growth, and strategies that can help young people navigate recovery when faced with adversity.     Support Resources  eHeadspace is a free, confidential service for young people across Australia, with support available online, by email or on the phone with a mental health clinician or peer worker. Go to headspace.org.au.   Contacting your GP can be the first step to getting a referral to a mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker. Reach out to someone you trust to start the conversation today.   ReachOut is a youth‑focused website with information and tools on mental health, stress, relationships, and other issues that affect young people.  Kids Helpline Confidential counselling service for people aged 5-25 years old available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat. Call on 1800 55 1800. Call on 1800 55 1800.   13YARN is a free, confidential support line available 24/7. It’s run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and offers culturally safe, respectful support — whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to. Call on 13 92 76.  Lifeline is a national charity providing 24-hour crisis support. Call them on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14  Climate Superpowers website aims to support children and young people share their wisdom and creativity in dealing with the effects of climate change. Created with and for young people it has quizzes, resources and a chance to share your story.  Australian Red Cross website provides resources for young people, families and communities about preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.  Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters website provides the emergency management, disaster and youth sectors with current, relevant research and practical resources to support meaningful youth participation. Interested in learning more about the definition of a disaster? Here is the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s definition.     Credits  Hosts: Alex Howard (@alexandra-howard8) and Sarah Herzina (@sarahherzina)  Young interviewee: Jay Schellens (@jay-schellens)  Executive Producer & Editor: Liz Keen from Headline Productions (@lizkeen)  Pre-production & Research: Phoebe Michetti (@phoebe-michetti), Jess Standish (@jessica-standish) and Dr David Pedder (@dr-david-pedder)  Funding for the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters was provided by the Australian Government.

  2. ١٨ أغسطس

    Kai - Connection

    Welcome to the second episode of Finding Steady Ground.  In this episode, you'll meet Kai. A proud Yorta Yorta and Barapa Barapa man, trainee ecologist, and cultural and environmental educator. Drawing on his experiences of floods, droughts, family illness, and community loss, Kai reflects on the many forms that connection can take - to family, friends, community, culture, Country, and self. He shares how spending time in nature, reaching out to loved ones, and staying connected to Country have helped him navigate life’s challenges and maintain hope through difficult times.  Joined by our hosts Alex Howard from Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, and Sarah Herzina a Centre of Excellence Youth Advisory Group member, they explore practical and emotional preparedness, post-traumatic growth, and strategies that can help young people navigate recovery when faced with adversity.     Support Resources  eHeadspace is a free, confidential service for young people across Australia, with support available online, by email or on the phone with a mental health clinician or peer worker. Go to headspace.org.au.   Contacting your GP can be the first step to getting a referral to a mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker. Reach out to someone you trust to start the conversation today.   ReachOut is a youth‑focused website with information and tools on mental health, stress, relationships, and other issues that affect young people.  Kids Helpline Confidential counselling service for people aged 5-25 years old available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat. Call on 1800 55 1800. Call on 1800 55 1800.   13YARN is a free, confidential support line available 24/7. It’s run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and offers culturally safe, respectful support — whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to. Call on 13 92 76.  Lifeline is a national charity providing 24-hour crisis support. Call them on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14  Climate Superpowers website aims to support children and young people share their wisdom and creativity in dealing with the effects of climate change. Created with and for young people it has quizzes, resources and a chance to share your story.  Australian Red Cross website provides resources for young people, families and communities about preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.  Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters website provides the emergency management, disaster and youth sectors with current, relevant research and practical resources to support meaningful youth participation. Interested in learning more about the definition of a disaster? Here is the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s definition.     Credits  Hosts: Alex Howard (@alexandra-howard8) and Sarah Herzina (@sarahherzina)  Young interviewee: Kai Hill-Crofts (@kai-lane) Executive Producer & Editor: Liz Keen from Headline Productions (@lizkeen)  Pre-production & Research: Phoebe Michetti (@phoebe-michetti), Jess Standish (@jessica-standish) and Dr David Pedder (@dr-david-pedder)  Funding for the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters was provided by the Australian Government.

  3. ١٨ أغسطس

    Pearl - Agency & Connection

    Welcome to the final episode of Finding Steady Ground.  In this episode, you'll meet Pearl. Growing up in Moruya on the New South Wales South Coast, Pearl experienced the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires as a young adult and reflects on the uncertainty, community spirit, and resilience that emerged during and after the crisis. Drawing on her experiences living in a regional community and her work in environmental science, she shares how small acts of contribution, strong local connections, and a sense of purpose helped her navigate an incredibly challenging time.  Joined by our hosts Alex Howard from Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, and Sarah Herzina a Centre of Excellence Youth Advisory Group member, they explore practical and emotional preparedness, post-traumatic growth, and strategies that can help young people navigate recovery when faced with adversity.     Support Resources  eHeadspace is a free, confidential service for young people across Australia, with support available online, by email or on the phone with a mental health clinician or peer worker. Go to headspace.org.au.   Contacting your GP can be the first step to getting a referral to a mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker. Reach out to someone you trust to start the conversation today.   ReachOut is a youth‑focused website with information and tools on mental health, stress, relationships, and other issues that affect young people.  Kids Helpline Confidential counselling service for people aged 5-25 years old available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat. Call on 1800 55 1800. Call on 1800 55 1800.   13YARN is a free, confidential support line available 24/7. It’s run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and offers culturally safe, respectful support — whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to. Call on 13 92 76.  Lifeline is a national charity providing 24-hour crisis support. Call them on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14  Climate Superpowers website aims to support children and young people share their wisdom and creativity in dealing with the effects of climate change. Created with and for young people it has quizzes, resources and a chance to share your story.  Australian Red Cross website provides resources for young people, families and communities about preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.  Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters website provides the emergency management, disaster and youth sectors with current, relevant research and practical resources to support meaningful youth participation. Interested in learning more about the definition of a disaster? Here is the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s definition.     Credits  Hosts: Alex Howard (@alexandra-howard8) and Sarah Herzina (@sarahherzina)  Young interviewee: Pearl Mitchell (@pearl-mitchell) Executive Producer & Editor: Liz Keen from Headline Productions (@lizkeen)  Pre-production & Research: Phoebe Michetti (@phoebe-michetti), Jess Standish (@jessica-standish) and Dr David Pedder (@dr-david-pedder)  Funding for the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters was provided by the Australian Government.

  4. ١٨ أغسطس

    Jasper – Action & Inclusion

    Welcome to the fourth episode of Finding Steady Ground.  In this episode, you'll meet Jasper. Growing up in the Dandenong Ranges and experiencing the impacts of bushfires, storms, and climate uncertainty, Jasper reflects on how he has transformed anxiety about the future into action, advocacy, and hope. He shares his experiences of connecting with community, getting involved in youth leadership and decision-making, and finding balance between creating change and looking after his own wellbeing.  Joined by our hosts Alex Howard from Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, and Sarah Herzina a Centre of Excellence Youth Advisory Group member, they explore practical and emotional preparedness, post-traumatic growth, and strategies that can help young people navigate recovery when faced with adversity.     Support Resources  eHeadspace is a free, confidential service for young people across Australia, with support available online, by email or on the phone with a mental health clinician or peer worker. Go to headspace.org.au.   Contacting your GP can be the first step to getting a referral to a mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker. Reach out to someone you trust to start the conversation today.   ReachOut is a youth‑focused website with information and tools on mental health, stress, relationships, and other issues that affect young people.  Kids Helpline Confidential counselling service for people aged 5-25 years old available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat. Call on 1800 55 1800. Call on 1800 55 1800.   13YARN is a free, confidential support line available 24/7. It’s run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and offers culturally safe, respectful support — whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to. Call on 13 92 76.  Lifeline is a national charity providing 24-hour crisis support. Call them on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14  Climate Superpowers website aims to support children and young people share their wisdom and creativity in dealing with the effects of climate change. Created with and for young people it has quizzes, resources and a chance to share your story.  Australian Red Cross website provides resources for young people, families and communities about preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.  Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters website provides the emergency management, disaster and youth sectors with current, relevant research and practical resources to support meaningful youth participation. Interested in learning more about the definition of a disaster? Here is the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s definition.     Credits  Hosts: Alex Howard (@alexandra-howard8) and Sarah Herzina (@sarahherzina)  Young interviewee: Jasper Francis (@jasper-francis)  Executive Producer & Editor: Liz Keen from Headline Productions (@lizkeen)  Pre-production & Research: Phoebe Michetti (@phoebe-michetti), Jess Standish (@jessica-standish) and Dr David Pedder (@dr-david-pedder)  Funding for the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters was provided by the Australian Government.

  5. ١٨ أغسطس

    Scarlett - Community participation

    Welcome to the third episode of Finding Steady Ground.  In this episode, you'll meet Scarlett. Growing up in Kinglake and experiencing the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires as a child, Scarlett reflects on how her community, school, and lived experience shaped her passion for supporting others. She shares her journey from learning about disaster preparedness at primary school to becoming a volunteer with the CFA, and the lessons she has gained about empathy, connection, and helping people through difficult times.  Joined by our hosts Alex Howard from Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, and Sarah Herzina a Centre of Excellence Youth Advisory Group member, they explore practical and emotional preparedness, post-traumatic growth, and strategies that can help young people navigate recovery when faced with adversity.     Support Resources  eHeadspace is a free, confidential service for young people across Australia, with support available online, by email or on the phone with a mental health clinician or peer worker. Go to headspace.org.au.   Contacting your GP can be the first step to getting a referral to a mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker. Reach out to someone you trust to start the conversation today.   ReachOut is a youth‑focused website with information and tools on mental health, stress, relationships, and other issues that affect young people.  Kids Helpline Confidential counselling service for people aged 5-25 years old available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat. Call on 1800 55 1800. Call on 1800 55 1800.   13YARN is a free, confidential support line available 24/7. It’s run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and offers culturally safe, respectful support — whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to. Call on 13 92 76.  Lifeline is a national charity providing 24-hour crisis support. Call them on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14  Climate Superpowers website aims to support children and young people share their wisdom and creativity in dealing with the effects of climate change. Created with and for young people it has quizzes, resources and a chance to share your story.  Australian Red Cross website provides resources for young people, families and communities about preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.  Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters website provides the emergency management, disaster and youth sectors with current, relevant research and practical resources to support meaningful youth participation. Interested in learning more about the definition of a disaster? Here is the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s definition.     Credits  Hosts: Alex Howard (@alexandra-howard8) and Sarah Herzina (@sarahherzina)  Young interviewee: Scarlett Harrison (@scarlett-harrison)  Executive Producer & Editor: Liz Keen from Headline Productions (@lizkeen)  Pre-production & Research: Phoebe Michetti (@phoebe-michetti), Jess Standish (@jessica-standish) and Dr David Pedder (@dr-david-pedder)  Funding for the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters was provided by the Australian Government.

حول

Finding Steady Ground is a podcast where young people speak honestly about their experiences following disasters.  Created by the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters in partnership with Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, this podcast explores the experiences of young people navigating their mental health after disaster events.  Want to connect more with the Centre of Excellence: Young People & Disasters and Phoenix Australia? Go to:  https://ypdcentre.org.au/   https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/