Local support following Bondi terror attack

The headspace Elsternwick team extends our sincere condolences to the Jewish community for the Bondi terror attack.

We are deeply concerned about the wellbeing of local children and young people (and their families) who have been impacted by this event. Together with headspace National, our Jewish clinicians and local community leaders, we are working on ways we can support recovery and readjustment within the Jewish community – particularly as the new school year gets underway.

We can offer tailored support and intervention to suit the community’s needs. Supports include:

  • Meetings with school and wellbeing teams to upskill trauma-informed care and family work tailored to the Jewish community
  • Individual assessment, counselling and medical/nursing support if needed
  • Family-focused and single-session work with families
  • Group work including creative/expressive groups adapted to suite recovery from trauma, loss and anxiety about community safety
  • Parent webinars focussed on both self-care and how to support their young people

We recognise that young people should be able to access culturally sensitive support in spaces where they have a sense of safety, trust and understanding. Our Jewish clinicians can connect with young people with empathy and shared experiences.

We encourage you to refer young people, families and schools who need extra support to headspace Elsternwick. Families and young people can also self-refer to our service.

Phone: (03) 9076 7500

Email: headspaceelsternwick@alfred.org.au

If you have ideas on how we may be able to assist local young people, schools (both Jewish and non-Jewish) or youth networks, please reach out to us.

Support for young people

There is no right or wrong way to react following a critical incident. Some people might feel sadness and seek connection, others might feel numb or disconnected. 

Life can change significantly during and after a critical incident, even if we weren’t directly involved.

  • Direct exposure might include witnessing the event, experiencing harm, or the loss of loved ones.
  • Indirect exposure can occur through hearing details and accounts from family and friends or through media coverage (social media, radio, TV, newspapers).

Both direct and indirect exposure can have an immediate and lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Common reactions can include disrupted sleep, changes in eating patterns, difficulties with relationships, and challenges with routine activities like work or schooling.

Resources for young people

headspace National provides support including:

Further resources

Webinars - https://israeltraumacoalition.org/en/webinars-for-the-jewish-communities-in-australia/