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.
