UNE offers free emergency psychological first aid

The University of New England Psychology Clinic and UNE School of Psychology are supporting
the local community with Emergency Psychological First Aid following the demolition derby car
accident in Walcha on Saturday evening.

The clinic at the Tablelands Medical Centre in Armidale will open its services at no cost for the next
three weeks to community members impacted by the devastating accident.

Acting Director of the Clinical Psychology Program Dr Amanda Jefferys said that people who were
potentially impacted by the event are likely to be from across the region.

“The UNE Psychology team invite community members who may have been impacted by the
accident on the weekend, or who had young children with them at the event to call us to arrange a
session with one of our psychologists,” said Dr Jefferys.

“Our community is very resilient but sometimes witnessing a distressing and frightening event can
come on top of other life stresses.”

“People who are not feeling themselves, not sleeping well or feeling flat and disconnected should
reach out for some strategies and skills from one of our psychologists. It’s better to address any
worries or concerns sooner rather than later.”

“Of course, if your exposure was high please ensure you reach out to your GP as the hub in your
care, they are always first point of call and are aware of a range of services available to you.”

Community members should call the UNE Psychology Clinic at 110 Butler Street Armidale directly
on 6773 2545 to make an appointment with a UNE psychologist. Appointments are available for
the next three weeks, until Friday 5 December.