Children affected by bushfires given help

Tasmanian manager Lisa Cuatt said Save the Children had set up a “child friendly space” at the Huonville evacuation centre to help children.

“It’s clear that the children coming to the child friendly space are facing a great deal of uncertainty, and they need a way to process and deal with this experience,” Ms Cuatt said.

“It is a place for the children to go and play and socialise and to create some normality for them in an abnormal situation.

“Tensions are heightened at times like this and this gives children the chance to be children. They can talk and express themselves to staff and paint or draw or even have some quiet time and read a book.

“It allows parents to go and do the things they need to do like getting support or finding out more information about the fires, while knowing their children are being cared for.

“So far, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback.”

Ms Cuatt said 30 children had visited the children’s space on Tuesday.

She said three qualified staff were providing a range of activities for children aged between 0 and 14 years.

“Our team on the ground are fantastic, creating an incredibly positive and happy space,” Ms Cuatt said.

“It is a great joy to see a child who’s faced such adversity suddenly smiling, laughing and having fun.”