In July 2024, my community suffered a sudden, unexpected tragedy. A fire broke out in a
suburban home, and because of the windy conditions that day, quickly spread to
neighbouring properties. Within a matter of a few minutes, four homes were completely
destroyed. The homes were all old wooden ‘Queenslander’ style homes, beautiful, but
incredibly quick to perish due to their wood construction. Thankfully, and most importantly,
all four families and their pets were swiftly and safely evacuated. However, the families lost
absolutely everything, the impacts of which were devastating. They were suddenly without
a place to live, and all the things which enabled them to live their lives on a daily basis. One
minute it was all there, the next it was all gone.
The surrounding Community rallied swiftly and intensely. The families were taken in by
friends and family in the same neighbourhood and offered comfort, protection and
emotional support. Within hours there were links set up for financial assistance, there were
donations of clothes, toiletries, furniture, and toys for the kids. By the following day, the
local school and sporting clubs had provided everything needed for the kids to get back to
school and sport. Local schools and community organisations had set up fundraisers for the
families. Community connections helped families secure rental properties nearby. And as
the days passed in the aftermath, families were offered space to cry, to talk, to laugh, to
complete day-to-day tasks. One of the affected mothers who went to get groceries was
seen by a stranger struggling – the stranger stepped in and sorted the groceries for her so
that the mum could sit and Be With her children.
As I have reflected on all of this over the past week, I’m powerfully reminded of the role of
Community in being Hands. In our work we often think a lot about caregivers and clinicians
as Hands. However, the Hands of Community are ever present and also important. Security
means having the confidence that we are held and supported by more than ourselves and
that help is available when we need. This experience becomes a resource to navigate our
everyday and gives us the confidence to face challenges that are too big to bear on our own.
At Circle of Security International, we work to harness Community Hands by supporting
connections between clinicians across the world as they build secure relationships. We hope
that you feel a part of our Community and our Hands in this work.
Story shared by Erin Atkinson. Erin is a Clinical Psychologist and Circle of Security Project Consultant residing in Brisbane, Australia.
