Join Dr. Meaghan Vosz and Godelieve Hofman-Verkuyl as they explore strategies for helping young people heal and thrive post-disaster.
In the wake of natural disasters, the focus often shifts to immediate relief efforts and physical rebuilding. Yet, the emotional and psychological impact on children and young people remains a critical, though frequently overlooked, aspect of recovery.Â
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Meaghan Vosz and Godelieve Hofman-Verkuyl delve into the vital importance of addressing these young individuals’ emotional needs. Discover why tailored support for our youngest community members is essential not only for their immediate well-being but also for fostering long-term resilience and recovery.
Delivered by MacKillop Seasons’ Godelieve Hofman-Verkuyl and Southern Cross University’s Dr Meaghan Vosz, we will explore the importance of recognising and addressing the unique needs of children in disaster scenarios, how programs and initiatives can create safe spaces for children to express their feelings and experiences and the impact of community resilience on recovery and rebuilding efforts.Â
Godelieve Hofman-Verkuyl
Dr Meaghan Vosz
Godelieve has over 30 years’ experience in the areas of family and youth support in a variety of settings and roles. In this work she has developed a special passion for groupwork, seeing this as both a gentle and powerful tool in enhancing the social-emotional wellbeing in children, young people, parents/carers, and adults.
She currently leads the Disaster Response projects at MacKillop Seasons, which aligns with her strong connection to and care for nature. Through these projects she works with a team of Community Resilience Officers in NSW and Victoria, supporting impacted communities in the process of recovery.
Meaghan is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University, conducting research that promotes the human rights, participation and wellbeing of children and young people.
She also has over twenty years’ experience in community work with children, young people, families and communities including LGBTQ people, people experiencing homelessness and poverty, people living with mental health issues and disability and the human services sector. Â
About MacKillop Seasons
MacKillop Seasons evidence-based programs build knowledge and capacity of professionals to provide a safe space for children, young people and adults to learn knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand and respond to experiences of change, loss and grief. They help build the wellbeing and resilience of schools and communities following adversity.
