$3.8 MILLION TO HELP NORTHEN RIVERS COMMUNITY HEAL AFTER 2022 FLOODS

at Southern Cross University have been awarded more than $3.8 million to help Northern Rivers locals affected by the devastating 2022 foods.

In a world-frst approach, the researchers will implement a stepped care model to support over 200 people left with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the foods.

To date, there have been very few clinical trials focused on recovery from disasterrelated PTSD. None have focused on a stepped care model.

Stepped care is an evidence-based system for treating mental health, involving a hierarchy of treatments, from least to most intensive.

The stepped care treatments in this clinical trial will include an arts-based group compassion program and group-based MDMA-assisted therapy. It is hoped the fndings will provide additional treatment options for those impacted by future disasters.

People can register their interest in participating in the clinical trial by emailing compassiontrial@scu. edu.au

The Albanese Government is providing these funds as part of the 2022 Clinical Trials Grant Activity, with funding commencing from March 2024.

Grants totalling $62 million were awarded to 26 recipients as part of the grant opportunity.

The Albanese Government has committed a total of $750 million for the Clinical Trials Activity Initiative over ten years.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler MP:

“Supporting the mental health of Australians is a key priority for the Albanese Government.

“In a country often ravaged by bushfres, foods and cyclones, the world-frst research by Southern Cross University will look for new and innovative ways to help communities recover following natural disasters.

“We hope that this research project will help the Northern

Rivers community to recover following the food tragedy.

“Our Government is proud to support this groundbreaking research through the Medical Research Future Fund.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn MP:

“This project not only offers innovative evidence-based practices for trauma relief, but also means something positive can come out of our local experience. This research will add to the body of knowledge around trauma and post-traumatic growth.

“James Bennett-Levy has an international reputation for innovative mental health approaches and a commitment to the wellbeing or rural Australians, particularly the residents of the Northern Rivers Region. That’s why I was happy to throw my support behind this project.”

Quotes attributable to Lead Researcher, Professor James Bennett-Levy, of Southern Cross

University:

“I thank the Minister for funding this worldfrst clinical trial of a stepped care model in a post-disaster context.

“In 2022, northern New South Wales, and Lismore in particular, experienced Australia’s most devastating foods.

People are still suffering from disaster-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Our research after the 2017 foods showed that mental health problems were compounded if people were self-critical and blamed themselves. We have therefore designed a stepped care program with a self-compassion focus.

Step 1 will evaluate a fve-session arts-based program which engages participants in creating compassion-focussed artworks. If participants still have PTSD, they may be eligible for Step 2, MDMA-assisted therapy. Prior research has shown that MDMAassisted therapy is an effective evidencebased treatment for PTSD and enhances self-compassion.”

Quotes attributable to Vice-Chancellor and President, Southern

Cross University Professor Tyrone Carlin:

“Under Professor Bennett-Levy’s leadership and expertise, this novel trial will broaden our knowledge about the effectiveness of therapeutic treatments for addressing serious trauma following a natural disaster.

“Lismore is the most food-prone city in Australia. We know that many in the Northern Rivers community remain traumatised by the 2022 back-to-back food disasters. Lismore is also the birthplace of Southern Cross University, and with our roots deeply embedded in the community it is appropriate we lead this project.

“We congratulate Professor Bennett Levy for being awarded the MRFF grant. It represents the largest block MRFF funding received by Southern Cross University to date and illustrates the excellence and impact of critical research conducted by the University in our region.”