During my PhD research I read a plethora of articles about climate change, natural disasters and neoliberalism. The warning of how climate change has, and will continue to change the social structures of our world, resonated throughout the research. Add to this, the US withdrawal from the Paris agreement, an international treaty on climate change, and the world stage is set for further instability in meeting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

With the Albanese Government approving 34 new coal, gas and oil developments during their terms, advocacy for climate action leaves us feeling hopeless. So with political power’s insufficient action and climate disasters increasing intensity and frequency, how do we, as private practitioners support our clients impacted by climate change in a neoliberal world?

I opened my first podcast with corresponding questions to this reality. I was met with a humanistic response that encompasses government strategic directions and policy development. That response came from Matthew Milne from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP).

RAMHP is a State funded program and contradicts my above argument of insufficient action. RAMHP’s supportive and educational role responds to the diverse needs of each community.

RAMHP is a resource where private practitioners can find evidence informed guidance and support for clients and communities affected by natural disasters. Mathew Milne’s discussion shows that RAMHP connects government with community needs. The ‘Boots on the Ground’ approach manages elements of an eco-informed approach. For example, social inequality such as isolation from mental health services and social support, environmental challenges such as disaster response, cultural challenges such as responding to diverse cultural needs, particularly First Nations people as holders of wisdom from which to respect and learn. RAMHP manages the political and economic challenges to deliver this program by drawing from qualitative and quantitative data to inform program development and ongoing funding. This can only be achieved through the commitment of each area co-ordinator working within each community.

In this episode, I also offered exploration about theoretical perspectives that are grounded in lived experience, and flexible enough to meet the realities of our changing world. As Mathew Milne explains, RAMHP’s strategic plan has two major elements; placed based response and collective action. Together, these elements result in a person centred approach. The way this is achieved is through RAMHP area co-ordinators immersing into the community prior to natural disasters if possible. Immersing into the community and listening to stories of social capital and cohesion has an experiential learning theory (ELT) lens. I will further explain this idea in future blogs. It seems ELT is weaving a common thread through the podcast episodes I have completed. For now, here’s a link to one of the readings that informs my thinking. https://learningfromexperience.com/downloads/research-library/conversation-as-experiential-learning.pdf

Through this podcast and blog I reflect on my prior assumption that the power of neoliberalism negates effective action in responding to natural disasters. Whilst this assumption is informed by my research, practice and personal experience of natural disasters, RAMHP proves that effective government programs exist. Access to this program is open and inviting to diverse community members.

My reflective process allows me to have a new understanding to guide my future actions in supporting clients and community. Consequently, I view RAMHP as an organisation that tackles social inequality with the 'Boots on the Ground' strategy.

A vital resource for communities and private practitioners.

https://www.ramhp.com.au/