The Student Ministry Group (SMG) has launched a new program supporting children, families and communities with emergency Chaplaincy support during disasters and times of crisis.

Rev. Dr. Lynn Arnold AO, SMG Chairperson, said our state has suffered recently with floods, storms and bushfires where lives were lost, homes destroyed, families overwhelmed and communities reeling in the aftermath of those devastating events.

‘When Disaster Strikes’ is a program that aims to be proactive in its support of children, families and communities with a Chaplaincy Service - when it is needed most.”, Rev. Arnold said.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo who attended the launch said the Program has developed out of learnings from the Sampson Flat and most recently the Pinery bushfires.

SMG had nine School Chaplains in the affected bushfire zone, and one year on those, Chaplains continue to provide pastoral and practical support to children and families in their local communities.Tracey Butter, SMG School Chaplain at Tarlee and Hamley Bridge PriMary Schools shared what it was like for children and parents during the Pinery Fires.

“I organised a coffee morning at Tarlee PriMary so that I could comfort shocked parents who had arrived with their children, and then I went into class to listen to children speak about their experiences and provide support,” Ms Butter said.Jessica Jenke, whose children attend Tarlee PriMary, said the Pinery Fires have affected my three children emotionally.“

One has nightMares and is often screaming through the night. My two younger children were often drawing our house on fire, and using their toys to re-enact us evacuating our home,” Ms Jenke said.

“I think the constant smell of smoke in the weeks afterwards made them on edge and frightened there would be another fire.”

“Tracey was often at school in the mornings ready to talk to any kids who were upset or anxious - which was a massive help to my children as they dealt with their emotions and feelings and also feeling safe.

Mr Piccolo said the Pinery fire occurred more than a year ago; however, children, families and communities are still recovering from this traumatic and devastating event. Rev Arnold said the support Jessica has received through SMG’s Chaplaincy Service has been an integral part of her family’s recovery process, and will continue until it is no longer needed.

”Hon. Peter Malinauskas, Emergency Services Minister spoke at the launch about the importance of response as well as recovery when there is a disaster.“

It is so important that when we have programs such as When Disaster Strikes in place that our children and their families can be assured that in the days, months and also years ahead they will not be alone – and that speaks to everything that this group is about,” the Minister said.

SMG have been serving and supporting communities in South Australia for over 25 years and is well placed to support local communities with Chaplains in over 340 schools in metropolitan, regional and remote areas.

The ’When Disaster Strikes’ Program aims to provide support across the state during disasters and times of crisis so children and families like Jessica’s can recover well – and return to a greater level of functioning and resilience with support from their local Chaplain.

Beyond Bank Australia and Paradise Motors Mazda are partners in the “When disaster Strikes” Program.Rev.

Dr. Lynn Arnold invites all South Australians to “Stand with me and support the ‘When Disaster Strikes’ Program with a tax deductible donation.

Donations can be made by contacting the SMG office 8378 6800, or online via the SMG website www.smg.asn.au