Mental health research extended

Research exploring ways to maintain good mental health in young volunteers has been extended with a donation from Baker Hughes.

The Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC has received a donation of $50,000 from Baker Hughes, an energy technology company with a focus on contributing to community.

These funds allow for the expansion of a mental health research project being completed by researchers at the University of Adelaide, led by Dr Amanda Taylor, as part of the CRC’s Tactical Research Fund. Supported by the Hospital Research Foundation in close collaboration with key emergency services and AFAC, this research will support approaches to maintaining positive mental health and minimising the long-term impacts of stress and trauma common to emergency services.

The donation – which was inspired by the work of emergency volunteers during Black Summer – will support the development of a digital toolkit that will be used by emergency service organisations and their volunteers to actively support maintenance of good mental health, including mindfulness, self compassion and coping skills.

CRC Research Director Dr John Bates said the donation is a welcome contribution to extend our knowledge and support of young people’s wellbeing while volunteering with emergency services.

“The CRC has been investing in this research for a while, and the additional funding allows us to take this research a bit further. Now we can create even more resources to try and maintain good mental health in our young people,” he said.  

Young volunteers are playing a central role in the development of these resources, to ensure they are as relevant and useful to this cohort as possible.