Reach out for help if you need it

 

The Captain of Doreen Fire Brigade Robert Bury and his family are coming to terms with a devastating loss. He wanted to share his story with CFA members and emphasise the importance of getting support.

 

“My name is Robert Bury and I’m the captain of Doreen brigade and General Manager of a large Jayco caravan dealership in Bayswater.

Earlier this year our daughter passed away at the age of 43 leaving behind her daughter and son. Our lives were changed in so many ways. Our careful plans for retirement vanished as we are now responsible for our grandchildren.

Obviously, we were all shocked by this but I thought I could handle the emotions and be a guiding hand for my immediate family.

My ability to turn chaos into calm – something we do as CFA volunteers – was severely tested. I thought I would be fine because I was widowed 35 years ago and knew how to cope.

It turned out that I didn’t.

But first I had to make sure my wife and grandchildren were OK. I reached out to the CFA counselling service to arrange bereavement counselling for my wife.

CFA’s Wellbeing Support Line (phone 1800 959 232) is an excellent service that many of us unfortunately choose not to use. This has really helped my immediate family come to grips with a devastating experience.

The compassionate call taker guided me through the process. My wife had to contact them personally to arrange suitable counselling. Face-to-face counselling was quickly arranged after she called.

I thought I was coping well until a third out-of-character outburst directed at people who may or may not have deserved my verbal wrath. This happened both at work and on the fireground and I knew I had to reach out for help.

I was guided through the process and a phone consultation was quickly made available. I talked about my emotions as I was guided by my very thoughtful counsellor.

Did it help? Yes, definitely.

My eyes still well up, but I have a better understanding of my feelings. I will speak to the counsellor again very soon.

I encouraged my grandson to contact the CFA Wellbeing Support Line, but he said he wasn’t ready. Then on Mother’s Day the realisation of what had happened to him and his family hit him hard.

I’m pleased to say he did reach out and had a chat with the counselling service. He told me it has helped him. I believe it has helped my wife and I know it has helped me cope and better understand my emotions.

CFA provides a lot of support and my brigade was always there to assist us. But don’t overlook the amazing job done by our peers, and the CFA Wellbeing Support Line is truly a wonderful service.

I was the guy who didn’t need any help until I realised that I did.

I encourage each and every one of you to seek assistance if required. If I can do it anyone can.”

The Wellbeing Support Line, 1800 959 232, provides CFA members and their immediate family members access to one phone number to manage their wellbeing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The service links CFA members and their immediate families to psychologists, counsellors and social workers for short-term, solution focused counselling. The service is available for personal and CFA-related issues.

          

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by	News and Media