Cyclone Yasi

Child Friendly Spaces were set up in both Tully and Ingham for those affected by the flooding.

Queensland Flood

We deployed staff into the areas most severely impacted by the Queensland floods to assist children in evacuation and recovery centres.

Our response:

• We set-up 10 child-friendly spaces in recovery centres in Rockhampton, Emerald, Brisbane and Ipswich.
• Equipment for the child-friendly spaces was provided by our Mobile Playschemes.
• Our child-friendly spaces are run by qualified staff and provide an environment for children to engage in stimulating age-appropriate activities, play with learning materials and toys, all of which can be helpful in preventing long-term emotional or psychological trauma.
• We supported over 1000 children & their families affected by the flooding in Queensland. 

Why child-friendly spaces?

Edwina Andrew, Save the Children Australia's North Queensland Program Manager said, "In any emergency, children are always the most vulnerable, and are often overlooked. This emergency illustrates that none of us are immune to disaster."

"Save the Children's child-friendly spaces are designed to help re-establish routine, provide support and a sense of stability, a

s well as an opportunity to play. The spaces also provide respite for families under stress, so parents can focus on re-establishing their livelihoods knowing their children are in safe hands."

"Imagine the strain of having to evacuate your home and relocate your family to a cramped centre with no structure for your children. The difficulty of finding daily normality is a reality for so many families who are now faced with the battle of rebuilding their lives."

How you can help?