This webinar will give an overview of the impact of disasters and climate change on mental health and is part of the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use Comorbidity Project webinar series, which is focused on applying evidence into practice.
Speakers include Professor Lisa Gibbs
Professor Lisa Gibbs is a Professor of Public Health and Director of the Disaster, Climate and Adversity Unit in Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and Academic Lead for Community Resilience and Public Health in the Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety. Her research focuses on disaster recovery and resilience particularly relating to the interplay between individual and community level outcomes. Flagship studies under her leadership include the 10 years Beyond Bushfires study and the multi-award-winning Recovery Capitals (ReCap) project. Her disaster research programs have contributed new knowledge about the long-term impacts of disasters on mental health and wellbeing and on student learning. They have also identified opportunities to support recovery and resilience, particularly through social networks, connection to the natural environment and school programs. Lisa’s research and related practical resources directly influence service and policy decision making in Australia and internationally through cross-sectoral partnerships with community, service provider and government representatives and disaster networks. Lisa also leads a range of research studies relating to child health, wellbeing and citizenship. This includes studies of the experiences of children and school communities in disasters.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the potential long term mental health impacts of disaster exposure
- Outline protective strategies for mental health and wellbeing in disaster contexts
- Identify where to find helpful resources for working with communities affected by disaster.